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Check Accessibility

VIFF is committed to making our events and screenings accessible to as many people as we can, and we strive to remove barriers to access whenever possible.

For more information, please email [email protected]

VIFF’s accessibility program is in partnership with the Disability Screen Office

Feedback

Your input helps us do better. Fill out this quick survey and let us know to improve accessibility at VIFF.

Film Event Accessibility Scorecard Survey

Ticketing

For ticketing assistance, you can reach us at on the VIFF Infoline 604-683-3456 or [email protected]

Wheelchair Positions: We encourage patrons requiring wheelchair positions to call ahead to reserve. 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 otherwise to attend a film. Discounted tickets are available on our website or at the Box Office while quantities last.

Venue Details

VIFF Centre from outside

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venue entrance

The Annex, 823 Seymour

Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots

Entrance: Street level with elevator access between levels

Wheelchair positions: 3 spaces

Washrooms: Gendered washrooms. One accessible washroom stall is available in each washroom on the ground level

 

 

double door entranceway

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

 

venue entrance with painted wall art

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 venue exterior

Chan Centre – Chan Shun Concert Hall, 6265 Crescent

Parking: Rose Garden Parkade

Entrance: Street level

Wheelchair positions: 10+ spaces

Washrooms: Fully accessible, gendered

 

 

glass entranceway

The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe

Parking: Metered street parking

Entrance: Ramp at street level

Wheelchair positions: 2 spaces

Washrooms: Fully accessible & gender neutral

 

        

washroom entrance

Fifth Avenue Cinemas, 2110 Burrard

Parking: Metered street parking

Entrance: Street level on 5th. Stairs or elevator to concessions and theatre level

Wheelchair positions: 3-4 spaces

Washrooms: Fully accessible, gendered on 2nd level with concession and theatre

 

            

double door glass entrance to a building

International Village, 88 W Pender

Parking: Underground parking pass available through concierge

Entrance: Street level, elevator to second and third floor

Wheelchair positions: 2-4 per theater

Washrooms: Fully accessible, gendered washrooms on cinema level on the 3rd floor

 

            

theatre box office entrance

Rio Theater, 1660 E Broadway

Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots

Entrance: Street level

Wheelchair positions: 4-6 spaces

Washrooms: Limited accessibility, gendered washrooms available at theatre level. Washrooms do not have access for mobility devices like wheelchairs or scooters

 

    

brick stairs leading up to double door glass entrance

SFU Goldcorps for the Arts, 149 Hastings

Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots

Entrance: Ramp from courtyard, street level from Hastings, elevator to second floor

Wheelchair positions: 4-6 spaces

Washrooms: Fully accessible universal washroom available on the 3rd floor. Fully accessible, gendered washrooms available on the 2nd floor

 

    

4-door glass entrance to building

The Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton

Parking: Metered street and underground paid parking

Entrance: Street level

Wheelchair positions: 4-5 spaces

Washrooms: Gendered washrooms, downstairs. Fully accessible universal washroom available on first floor

 

 

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 caption 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 closed 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

At Relaxed Screenings we extend a warm welcome to people who feel overwhelmed by the ordinary cinema environment. These screenings are open to ANYONE who would benefit from a less restrictive and sensory-friendly experience including (but not limited to) people living with dementia; Autistic people; people with learning difficulties; people with a sensory or communication disorder; parents with young babies; and anyone who feels they would benefit from a more supportive and inclusive experience.

At a relaxed screening you can expect:

  • The lights to be up so it is not too dark

  • The film sound levels to be lowered

  • No trailers before the film

  • Fewer tickets sold so folks can choose where they want to sit

  • Audience noise and movement during the show

  • Freedom to enter and exit the cinema

  • A chill out space

  • Sound reduction headphones

  • Extra staff and volunteers on site to answer questions

See all Relaxed screenings

 

Relaxed Screenings Presented by

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]