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]
Feedback
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Ticketing
Support persons who accompany patrons with disabilities requiring assistance to attend a show are eligible to receive a complimentary ticket. VIFF participates in Easter Seals Canada’s Access 2 program; members present their Access 2 card in person with their support person at the Box Office on the day of the screening to receive the complimentary ticket.
We encourage patrons requiring wheelchair positions call ahead to reserve. The adjacent companion seat is also available to reserve. You can reach us at 604-683-3456 or email at [email protected].
Venue Details
VIFF Centre (Vancity & Studio Theatres), 1181 Seymour
Parking: Metered street parking
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 4 spaces (Vancity), 3 spaces (Studio)
Washrooms: Fully accessible, universal washroom available
Annex, 823 Seymour
Parking: Metered street and paid lots
Entrance: Elevator to second floor
Wheelchair positions:3 spaces
Washrooms: Fully accessible & gender neutral
The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe
Parking: Metered street parking
Entrance: Ramp at street level
Wheelchair positions: 2 spaces
Washrooms: Fully accessible & gender neutral
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 & gender neutral
Ironworks, 225 Alexander
Parking: Metered street parking
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 10+
Washrooms: Accessible, gender neutral
The Park Theatre, 3440 Cambie
Parking: Metered street parking
Entrance: Stairs at Street Level. Accessible access around the side of the building through the front of the Auditorium – staff assistance required
Wheelchair positions: 3 spaces
Washrooms: Limited accessibility – staff assistance required, gendered
Rio Theater, 1660 E Broadway
Parking: Metered street parking and paid lots
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 4-6 spaces
Washrooms: Limited accessibility, gendered
The Roundhouse, 181 Roundhouse Mews
Parking: Metered street parking
Entrance: Ramp at street level from corner of Davie and Pacific
Wheelchair positions: 10+
Washrooms: Fully accessible, gendered
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
The Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton
Parking: Metered street and underground paid parking
Entrance: Street level
Wheelchair positions: 4-5 spaces
Washrooms: Universal washroom available
Hearing Assistance
All VIFF screenings that are not in English will have English subtitles. All VIFF screening venues are outfitted with a hearing assistance system graciously supplied by our friends at QSC. A signal is fed directly from our audio system to the supplied hearing assistance device. The user of the device can adjust the volume to suit their needs. Information on obtaining these devices is available at VIFF Concierge tables located at each VIFF venue. These devices are available free of charge.
Closed Captioned Screenings
The VIFF Centre is equipped with two closed caption devices, International Village is equipped with 6, and The Park has 3. The device fits into the cup-holder and can be adjusted for the user’s comfort. Devices can be obtained on a first come first served basis from the front desk at VIFF Centre, at the podium to the entrance to the theatres on the third floor at International Village, and at the Box Office desk at The Park.
Open Captioned Screenings
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.
Descriptive Video Screenings
The VIFF Centre is equipped with six Descriptive Video Headsets. The headsets enable the user to adjust the volume of the audio description of the film as well as a separate volume control for the film itself. Devices can be obtained on a first come first served basis at the front desk of the theatre. These devices are available free of charge. Films available with the descriptive video service are displayed with the “DV” designation on the film page.
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
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.
Smoking
Those who smoke cigarettes, vapes or cannabis products must do so a minimum of 6 meters away from any doorway. We do ask that you use these products as far away from lines of people as possible so that only those of us consenting to smoke are the ones inhaling the products.
For more information please email [email protected]