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Access Information
Hearing Assistance 
All VIFF venues are outfitted with a hearing assistance system. A signal is fed directly from our audio system into supplied headsets. The device user can adjust the volume to suit their needs. Please check in with venue staff or volunteers to obtain a headset.
Closed Captions 
Closed caption devices are available for a limited number of screenings. For venues with devices, these fit into a cupholder and can be adjusted for the user’s comfort. Please check the website for screenings with closed captions. Please check in with venue staff or volunteers to obtain a device.
Open Captions 
Open captions are similar to subtitles and display dialogue and sound descriptions onscreen in text throughout the film. Film screenings featuring open captioning are designated with a “Open Captioning” on the film page. Please check the website for screenings with open captions.
Descriptive Video 
Descriptive Video headsets are available for a limited number of screenings. For venues with devices, the headsets enable the user to adjust the volume of the video description audio as well as have a separate volume control for the film audio itself. Please check the website for screenings with descriptive video.
Relaxed Screenings 
Relaxed Screenings are open to anyone who could benefit from a more casual, supportive and laid-back experience. This includes parents with small children, people with sensory and/or processing disabilities, people who identify as Neurodivergent, people with disabilities, and more. Reduced sound levels and less patrons make this a good introductory experience for first-time cinemagoers. Please check the website for a list of Relaxed Screenings.
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Lobby Tickets 
If you are a ticketholder with an access need that limits your ability to stand in lineups, you can pick up lobby tickets for yourself and a companion at the box office at the following venues:
VIFF Centre | Vancouver Playhouse | International Village
Fifth Avenue Cinemas | Cinematheque | SFU Goldcorp
These tickets provide access to a seated waiting area inside the lobby prior to doors opening. No documentation or disclosure of personal information is required to receive a lobby ticket. Space is limited and varies by venue.
Courtesy Chairs
There are courtesy chairs available to anyone who would prefer one at each of our venues during line ups. You can ask any of the volunteers to provide one at any time.
Service Animals
Service dogs are welcome in our venues. If your service animal requires water, please let a volunteer know.
For more information please email [email protected]
Ticketing
For ticketing assistance, you can reach us at the VIFF Infoline 604-683-3456 or [email protected]
Wheelchair Positions: We encourage patrons requiring wheelchair positions to call the Infoline to reserve in advance. The adjacent companion seat is also available to reserve.
Support Companions: Support persons who accompany patrons with disabilities are eligible to receive a complimentary ticket. Contact the Infoline to book ahead, or book in-person at the Box Office.
Accessible Tickets: We offer a limited number of discounted tickets to each film for folks who face financial barriers and may not be able to attend a film otherwise. Discounted tickets are available on our website or at the Box Office while quantities last.
Venue Information
VIFF Centre (VIFF Cinema & Lochmaddy Studio Theatre), 1181 Seymour
Parking: Metered street parking
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 4 spaces (VIFF Cinema), 3 spaces (Studio)
Washrooms: Wheelchair accessible, gendered washrooms available by elevator or stair access. Wheelchair accessible universal washroom available on first floor
- VIFF Cinema seating chart
- Lochmaddy Studio Theatre seating chart
- VIFF Centre accessibility guide (PDF)
- VIFF Centre accessibility guide (Word)
Alliance Française, 6161 Cambie
Parking: Metered street, paid underground lot
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 2 spaces in theatre
Washrooms: Gendered washrooms with accessible stalls on third floor. Accessible universal washroom available on first floor
The Beaumont Studios, 316 W 5th
Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots
Entrance: Street level. Wheelchair accessible entrance to the Main Hall is available from the street, not through the courtyard
Washrooms: Gender-neutral washrooms, ground level and upper level. Fully accessible washroom available on the first floor
The Birdhouse, 44 W 4th
Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots
Entrance: Street level
Washrooms: Gender-neutral washrooms, ground level and upper level. One wheelchair-accessible washroom and several single-stall washrooms ranging from 32-27 inches in width inside the venue. Due to the warehouse flooring, there is a ramp with a slope about 2” in height and 30” length to access the washroom. Access is around a corner 56in wide and 42in deep
Chan Centre – Chan Shun Concert Hall, 6265 Crescent
Parking: Rose Garden Parkade
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 10+ spaces
Washrooms: Wheelchair accessible, gendered
The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe
Parking: Metered street parking
Entrance: Ramp at street level
Wheelchair positions: 4 spaces
Washrooms: Fully accessible, universal washroom on ground level
Fifth Avenue Cinemas, 2110 Burrard
Parking: Metered street parking
Entrance: Street level on 5th Avenue; stairs or elevator to concessions and theatre level
Wheelchair positions: 3-4 spaces
Washrooms: Gendered with accessible stalls at concession/theatre level
Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston
Parking: Paid lots; 4 accessible parking spots in front of venue
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 5 spaces
Washrooms: Fully accessible gendered washrooms at ground level
International Village, 88 W Pender
Parking: Underground parking pass available through concierge
Entrance: Street level, elevator to second and third floor
Wheelchair positions: 4 per theater
Washrooms: Accessible, gendered washrooms on cinema level on the 3rd floor
- Auditorium 8 seating chart
- Auditorium 9 seating chart
- Auditorium 10 seating chart
- International Village accessibility guide (PDF)
- International Village accessibility guide (Word)
Rio Theater, 1660 E Broadway
Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 4-6 spaces
Washrooms: Gender-neutral washrooms with limited accessibility at theatre level. Washrooms are not accessible for mobility devices like wheelchairs or scooters
SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 Hastings
Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots
Entrance: Ramp from Cambie alley courtyard; street level from Hastings. Elevator to second and third floors
Wheelchair positions: 4-6 spaces
Washrooms: Fully accessible universal washroom available on third floor. Gendered washrooms with accessible stalls available on second floor
Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton
Parking: Metered street and underground paid parking
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 4-5 spaces
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