From creators and showrunners to directors, writers, producers, and craftspeople, VIFF Talks draw from a finely curated group of key creatives. Whether they’re responsible for critically acclaimed films or groundbreaking TV series, they provide a treasure trove of information and inspiration for fellow creators, filmmakers, industry professionals, and, of course, fans of their work.
As the curator of VIFF Talks, it’s a privilege to bring the creative minds behind some of the year’s most impactful films into dialogue. Through these conversations, we hope to offer insight, spark inspiration, and connect with film fans and future creators.
Ken Tsui, Talks Curator
Supported by
Community Broadcast Partner
VIFF 2026 Talks
Art of the Cut:
Matthew Hannam
Oct 3
Editor Matthew Hannam revisits his process and collaborative approach on his most iconic films including Sean Durkin’s The Iron Claw and Halina Reijn’s Babygirl to Noah Baumbach’s White Noise.
A Wish Come True:
The Making of Obsession with Producer Haley Johnson
Oct 4
Producer Haley Johnson takes us behind the making of one of the year’s most culturally impactful films, Obsession.
Worlds Within Worlds:
Brandon Toller & Matt Hyland, Production Designers, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
Oct 5
Production designers Brandon Toller and Matt Hyland dive into their approach to collaboration and how they work with directors like Jane Schoenbrun on I Saw the TV Glow and Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.
Stories Behind the Music:
Mark Mothersbaugh, Composer & Musician
Oct 7
Join legendary DEVO co-founder and composer Mark Mothersbaugh in conversation with award-winning composer and former studio executive Robert Kraft, exploring a singular career spanning Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, Thor: Ragnarok, and more.
Beyond Talks
Get more out of your festival experience.
An Evening with Cristóbal Tapia de Veer
VIFF Live
Oct 5
Join multiple Emmy- and BAFTA-winning composer Cristóbal Tapia de Veer (Smile, The White Lotus) for a rare masterclass exploring his creative process and unique compositional practice.
© Invision AP
Derrick Gee's Radio Hour
VIFF Live
Oct 7
Fresh from sold-out tours across Europe and Australia, experience the Canadian premiere of cult music tastemaker Derrick Gee’s eclectic Radio Hour, where his on-stage living room welcomes community conversations, special guests, and shared listening.
Past Talks
The Last of Us: Building the Expansive World with John Paino, Production Designer
On Cinematography with Dean Cundey
On Editing with Matthew Hannam, CCE