Let the Festival Begin!
The wait is over! We are excited to share with you the stellar line-up for the 45th Vancouver International Film Festival, October 1 – 11. Over 160 films, 85 shorts, VIFF Live performances, VIFF Talks, and special events will light up the screens and stages across Vancouver. Take a moment, explore the program and get ready to VIFF!
Today's Highlights
Mouse
Oct 6 & 10
Dir. Kelly O’Sullivan, Alex Thompson
“Mouse is, at its heart, […] a reminder that everyone matters and everyone deserves to be seen.” Kate Erbland, IndieWire
© Nate Hurtsellers and Luke Dyra
A Long Winter
Oct 6, 7 & 10
Dir. Andrew Haigh
“[A] poignant, subversive study of grief and desire […] it is fiercely acted, and wonderfully shot by cinematographer André Turpin.” Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
James McNeill Whistler
Oct 6, 7 & 9
Dir. David Bickerstaff
“[A] view of the artist that goes beyond even his own extravagant self-image.” Helen Tope, The Reviews Hub
Still Night, Burning House
Oct 6 & 7
Dir. Carol Nguyen
“[Carol Nguyen] understands how to delicately peel off the tensely wrapped bandage of secrets covering familial wounds.” Courtney Small, POV Magazine
Afterpiece
Oct 6, 7 & 11
Dir. Keane T.K. Wong
“[Afterpiece] sheds considerable light on how the entertainment industry operates through an approach that remains engaging from beginning to end.” Panos Kotzathanasis, Asian Movie Pulse
Turtle Island Rap
Oct 6 & 8
Dir. Alexandra Lazarowich
“[An] engaging look at artists who refuse to let their careers flow to any other beat but their own.” Courtney Small, POV Magazine
Ticket Release
Is the movie you want to see on Standby? Check the VIFF Daily emails or this page every morning for seats to your most-wanted films! More tickets may become available throughout the Festival.
Tickets will become available online only at 12:00 pm.
Add These Films to Your Watchlist!
See something you’re interested in? Log into your VIFF account and click the heart icon to add it to your personal watchlist!
RADIOHEART: The Drive and Times of DJ Kevin Cole
Featuring a scintillating soundtrack of tunes going back to the ‘70s, RADIOHEART is a heartwarming celebration of one of the greatest radio DJs, Kevin Cole, whose musical tastes and influence are still reverberating across the world’s soundwaves.
Relax, Open Your Eyes
Confronted with her husband's declining health, Carrie Radomski dedicates herself to building Canada's first cryonics facility in this intimate documentary about hope, conviction, and humanity's enduring quest to overcome death.
Birds of War
Told through phone videos, voice notes, texts, and news footage, Birds of War documents the love story of Lebanese journalist Janay Boulos and Syrian activist Abd Alkader Habak as their connection deepens and their communications grow in urgency.
Now Playing
RADIOHEART: The Drive and Times of DJ Kevin Cole
Featuring a scintillating soundtrack of tunes going back to the ‘70s, RADIOHEART is a heartwarming celebration of one of the greatest radio DJs, Kevin Cole, whose musical tastes and influence are still reverberating across the world’s soundwaves.
Man in Motion: The Rick Hansen Story
Twenty-six months, 40,075 kilometres, 34 countries traversed in a wheelchair, and more than $26 million raised for accessibility initiatives… Man in Motion: The Rick Hansen Story documents the staggering accomplishments of an iconic athlete and activist.
Strong Son
A bodybuilder returns home to care for his ailing father in Ian Bawa's debut feature. A moving exploration of masculinity, filial duty, and the emotional distance between first-generation immigrant parents and their children.
Ceremony
Powerful and evocative, Ceremony follows the disappearance of the ooligan in Bella Coola, revealing a story of cultural survival, environmental stewardship, and the enduring relationship between the Nuxalk Nation and the land.
Short Forum 5: Somewhere Else
If space and time are pure perception, let’s build them differently.
Explore VIFF 2026's Film Program
View festival by genre, country, language and more
View festival on an interactive calendar grid
View festival from A to Z
Live
Live performances that push the boundaries of traditional film programming, intersecting cinema culture with music, comedy, podcasting, and performance in unique, cinema-infused live shows.
Derrick Gee's Radio Hour
Fresh from sold-out tours across Europe and Australia, experience the Canadian premiere of cult music tastemaker Derrick Gee's eclectic Radio Hour, where his on-stage living room welcomes community conversations, special guests, and shared listening.
An Evening with Mark Mothersbaugh
Experience a one-night-only live performance with legendary composer and DEVO founder Mark Mothersbaugh, joined by an 11-piece ensemble, celebrating music from The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, Thor: Ragnarok, The LEGO Movie, A Minecraft Movie, and more.
Image: © Randall Michelson
Talks
The world’s leading creators share expertise on their craft.
Stories Behind the Music
Mark Mothersbaugh, Composer & Musician
Oct 7
Join legendary DEVO co-founder and composer Mark Mothersbaugh in conversation with award-winning composer and former studio executive Robert Kraft, exploring a singular career spanning Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Thor: Ragnarok, and more.
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