Submissions

Featuring an expansive, diverse collection of contemporary Canadian and Indigenous cinema, VIFF invites exciting new voices to share the spotlight with national treasures as we celebrate narratives that demonstrate originality, documentaries that change the way we see the world, and short films that push the form to its limits. Our 2024 edition featured 56 Canadian features and shorts, with 21 of these films being world premieres. All Canadian productions played in competition, with more than $40,000 in cash prizes presented to filmmakers.

VIEW CANADIAN FAQ

• Canadian Narrative Features:
  Open to narrative films with runtimes over 40 minutes directed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with Canada listed as one of the countries of production OR with 51% or more Canadian financing. Feature length films must not have been broadcast, distributed on VOD/home video, or screened in-person either at another festival or theatrically in the Vancouver area.
• Canadian Documentaries:
  Open to nonfiction films with runtimes over 40 minutes directed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with Canada listed as one of the countries of production OR with 51% or more Canadian financing. Feature length films must not have been broadcast, distributed on VOD/home video, or screened in-person either at another festival or theatrically in the Vancouver area.
• Canadian Shorts:
  Open to narrative, nonfiction, animation, and experimental films with runtimes of 40 minutes or less directed by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with Canada listed as one of the countries of production OR with 51% or more Canadian financing. Priority will be given to short films that have not been screened online or in-person at another festival in the Vancouver area.

VIFF takes great pride in championing international cinema’s most exciting new voices, offering diverse programming and fostering enlightening dialogue. Furthermore, nonfiction filmmaking has long been one of the pillars of our programming and VIFF Short Forum showcases work from every corner of the globe. Our 2024 edition featured work from 72 countries of production.

VIEW INTERNATIONAL FAQ

• International Narrative Features:
  Open to non-Canadian narrative films with runtimes over 40 minutes. Feature length films must not have been broadcast, distributed on VOD/home video, or screened in-person either at another festival or theatrically in the Vancouver area. The competitive Vanguard section is restricted to World, International, North American and Canadian premieres.
• International Documentaries:
  Open to non-Canadian nonfiction films with runtimes over 40 minutes. Feature length films must not have been broadcast, distributed on VOD/home video, or screened in-person either at another festival or theatrically in the Vancouver area.
• International Shorts:
  Open to non-Canadian narrative, nonfiction, animation, and experimental films with runtimes of 40 minutes or less. Priority will be given to short films that have not been screened online or in-person at another festival in the Vancouver area.