The Institute for the Moving Image is a new year-round artist development initiative from VIFF supporting bold, original filmmakers and screen creatives in British Columbia and across Canada. Rooted in equity, access and representation, the Institute offers mentorships, meaningful industry connections, and community engagement for filmmakers at pivotal stages of their careers.
For us, creating space for these voices is not optional; it is essential. It is how we restore shared humanity, ignite global dialogue, and forge a more inclusive, vibrant future for cinema.
Ana Belén Asfura, Director of Artist and Industry Programs, VIFF
Building on over four decades of festival-led artist development, the Institute evolves and expands VIFF’s longstanding programs into an ongoing, immersive model for creative growth and professional mentorship.
The Institute for the Moving Image’s 2026 pilot programs were made possible with the generous funding support of the Canada Media Fund
What We Offer
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Year-round cohort programs for filmmakers and screen creatives at key stages of their practice
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Mentorship and artistic guidance with local and international artists
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Creative development support that centres authorship, experimentation, and long-term practice
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Industry connections and market pathways linking local talent with national and international networks
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A collaborative learning environment built on trust, care, and meaningful creative risk
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Equity-centred support for Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled, and underrepresented creators
Vision
VIFF’s Institute for the Moving Image envisions a film ecosystem where independent artists are supported not only to make films, but to sustain lifelong creative practices based in purpose, equity, and artistic freedom.
Our vision is to become a leading Canadian institute for screen-based artistic development — one that:
- Positions filmmakers as authors and content creators
- Champions underrepresented voices and reshapes access to opportunity
- Cultivates cross-disciplinary collaboration and global exchange
- Strengthens British Columbia and Western Canada as centres for innovative, socially engaged cinema
By investing in artists over time and building meaningful pathways between creation and realization, the Institute aims to contribute to a more inclusive, resilient, and artist-driven future for film in Canada and beyond.
Mission
The Institute’s mission is to empower filmmakers and screen creatives to develop ambitious, authentic work and sustainable creative practices through year-round artistic training, mentorship, and community building.
We exist to:
- Support equity-deserving creators in navigating systemic barriers to artistic development and career progression
- Foster creative authorship, experimentation, and critical engagement across film disciplines
- Bridge local talent with national and international industry networks
- Create an inclusive, safe, and collaborative environment where artists can take meaningful creative risks
The Institute for the Moving Image believes that artistic development requires time, trust, and continuity — and that strong, diverse voices are essential to a vibrant screen culture.