Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is back in-cinema for its 41st edition, which includes revamped film series and a new international film competition for emerging directors. This year’s program features roughly 130 feature films and 100 shorts screening across seven Vancouver venues, as well as 20 other events. All films will be presented in-cinema, with a small curated selection of titles available for streaming across British Columbia on VIFF Connect.
The festival will officially open with Bones of Crows by Métis filmmaker Marie Clements, an epic tale of Aline Spears, a Cree matriarch played by Grace Dove (Monkey Beach) who survives the residential school system and becomes a code talker for the Canadian Air Force during WWII. The closing gala presentation will be South Korea’s Broker by VIFF favourite Hirokazu Kore-eda, a sprawling crime story about a baby kidnapping scheme starring Song Kang-ho (Parasite). Song became the first South Korean male actor to win best actor at Cannes this year for his role in Broker.
The 2022 lineup showcases films that draw inspiration from the real world: from intimate, inward-looking reflections on life and family to expansive visions that incorporate the landscapes around us. VIFF Talks brings together industry leaders who share insights into filmmaking today and VIFF Amp explores the role of music in film. New to VIFF’s event lineup this year is Signals, presented by VIFF and DigiBC, which explores how new creative technologies can generate uncharted opportunities for storytelling. A new addition to the film program is Vanguard, a competitive series that showcases the work of rising filmmakers from around the globe. Featuring eight narrative films by first and second-time directors, the program features titles from Australia, India, Mongolia, and more.
“VIFF is back with an incredible program dedicated to the power and potential of cinema,” says Kyle Fostner, Executive Director. “After two challenging and uncertain years, we’re thrilled to be offering a complete in-person film festival featuring hundreds of screenings and Q&A’s, complemented by an extraordinary lineup of talks and events with some of the industry’s leading talents. Over the past two years, film offered many of us an important portal to the larger world, providing inspiration and escape during periods of isolation. Finally, filmmakers and audiences can come together to share that irreplaceable communal experience of watching a story unfold on the big screen. We look forward to welcoming audiences to VIFF 2022 and showing filmmakers how much we appreciate their work!”
VIFF Board Chair Lucille Pacey adds: “The team at VIFF has shown what incredible creative experiences we can provide even through the most challenging of times. Their resilience is a credit to the industry, and we are honoured to present another extraordinary program in-cinema this year. VIFF has always been about community, and we can’t wait to reunite with all of our extended family in Vancouver and beyond.”
“Scotia Wealth Management is thrilled to be the Lead Partner of the Vancouver International Film Festival as it returns to cinemas for its 41st edition,” says Glen Gowland, Group Head, Global Wealth Management at Scotiabank. “VIFF is a cultural celebration for the local community, and we are pleased to offer viewers the opportunity to engage with a wide range of films, talks, events, and interactive experiences.”
“Our programmers have curated a lineup that showcases some of the most visionary filmmakers from Canada and across the world,” says Curtis Woloschuk, Director of Programming. “This year’s films not only reflect the global, collective moment we find ourselves in but inspire by demonstrating resilience and strength. Some of the most striking on-screen moments in the program include women on the frontlines of social and political wars, powerful stories of Indigenous icons, supernatural thrillers, and nonfiction sojourns into previously unexplored worlds. There are films that remind us of the vast beauty of our world as well as those that will strike a chord with our most interior thoughts.”
Tickets are now on sale at viff.org. Single tickets are $15 for regular screenings, $17 for Galas and Special Presentations, and $10 for VIFF Connect. A variety of festival passes and ticket packs are available. VIFF+ Members enjoy discounts on all VIFF tickets and the new, free U25 membership offers further discounts to youth between 19 and 25 years of age. VIFF Connect film programming will be available across BC. VIFF Talks, VIFF Amp, and Signals will be presented in-person this year, with the exception of the VIFF Talks event Marcel the Shell With Shoes On, which will be available via VIFF Connect.
For complete VIFF 2022 programming, including talks and events, click HERE.
