Maziyar Khatam, Anya Chirkova, Dylan Ray Hatton, Jake Shannon, Christian Bunea
Canada
2024
English
Indigenous & Community Access
Indigenous Access Tickets Community Access Tickets Ticket Donation Requests
Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Shy Kids
Producer
Anya Chirkova, Tyler Mason
Screenwriter
Maziyar Khatam
Maziyar Khatam
A graduate of Humber College’s Film and Television Production program, Maziyar Khatam is an Iranian-Canadian director and writer who is passionate about telling offbeat and revealing stories. Maziyar is a two-time Sundance alumnus with his short films, Bump (2022) and Baba (2023). He is also the co-owner of Funny Bone Pictures, a production company in Toronto.
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
2026 Oscar® Shorts (Documentary)
Don't come to the program of Oscar®-nominated documentary shorts for escapism. But let's talk about the Canadian contender, Perfectly a Strangeness, featuring an abandoned observatory and three donkeys. More of this, please.
The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes
A beautiful portrait of E.J. Hughes, who quietly helped reshape the artistic landscape of British Columbia in the 20th century. This extraordinary documentary explores Hughes’s legacy not only as an artist, but as a devoted, humble human being.
Muzizi
From the director of the award-winning film Union Street, Jamila Pomeroy, Muzizi embarks on a great culinary adventure through Vancouver’s African diasporic culinary scene. Muzizi explores powerful stories of immigration, resilience, and joy.
My Father's Shadow
Akojo Film Collective is proud to present My Father's Shadow, launching African Cinema Now into a new year of vibrant programming at the VIFF Centre. The BAFTA-nominated film follows two boys on an adventure with their father through the streets of Lagos.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Documentary, and Special Jury Prize Winner, Sundance, 2025, this exposé shot by a Russian primary teacher shows how the Putin propaganda machine works to militarize children.


