VIFF Talks connects film enthusiasts with the creative minds behind their favourite works. This year, we invite you to join cinematic visionaries for candid conversations that illuminate their craft and inspire both fans and future creators alike. The expertly moderated discussions feature an exceptional lineup of industry talent sharing insights from their outstanding contributions to cinema.
— Kinga Binkowska, VIFF Talks Curator
Supported by
Community Broadcast Partner
VIFF 2025 Talks
Visual Architect
Frederick Elmes on Four Decades of Cinematic Collaboration
Oct 8
Legendary cinematographer Frederick Elmes has spent decades helping to define the visual language of directors like David Lynch and Jim Jarmusch. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about the craft behind some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments.
Image: © Vague Notion
Choreographed Chaos
Ramon and Silvan Zürcher on Domestic Surrealism and Cinematic Precision
Oct 9
Employing collaboration and a shared vision, Ramon and Silvan Zürcher create meticulously observed, drolly absurd dramas that transform domestic spaces into surreal landscapes.
Image: © Iris Janke
From Intimate to Infinite
With Writer, Creator Jenny Lumet
Oct 9
From Rachel Getting Married to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Jenny Lumet is a master storyteller. She’s forged a unique path, building a career that champions diverse voices and crafts deeply human stories. Join us as she shares her journey.
Making It Happen
With Jeremy Dawson, Producer: From Aronofsky to Anderson
Oct 10
From title designer to award-winning producer, Jeremy Dawson has played a role in some of your favourite movies. Join us to hear about his journey through cinema and his collaborations with filmmaking giants like Wes Anderson and Darren Aronofsky.
Bringing Monsters to Life
With VFX Supervisor Dennis Berardi, Frankenstein, The Shape of Water
Oct 11
While classic creatures remain timeless, modern audiences demand something that feels authentically alive. VFX supervisor Dennis Berardi is a master of balancing practical artistry with digital innovation.
Building the Extraordinary
With Marcus Rowland, Production Designer, The Running Man
Oct 11
An engaging conversation with Marcus Rowland as he takes us behind the scenes of his creative process, revealing how he builds these unforgettable worlds and navigates the collaborative art of bringing impossible visions to life on screen.
Reshaping Storytelling
With Zacharias Kunuk, Director
Oct 11
Join us for an intimate conversation with legendary Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk, whose masterpiece Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes and helped pave the way for more authentic voices in cinema.
Breaking the Rules
Janicza Bravo on Unconventional Narratives and Fearless Filmmaking
From her Sundance winner Gregory Go Boom to the acclaimed Zola, Janicza Bravo transforms chaos into surrealist cinema gold. Her bold vision has elevated episodes of Atlanta, The Bear, and Poker Face. Join us for a talk with this fearless storyteller.
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