Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)
One of Canada's most important film festivals, held annually in September-October in Vancouver, combining competitive programming with a major industry forum and exceptional strength in Asia-Pacific cinema.
Overview
The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is one of the most important film festivals in Canada and a significant event on the North American festival circuit. Founded in 1982 and held annually in late September and early October, VIFF screens approximately 400 films from over 70 countries during its 16-day run, making it one of the largest film festivals in North America by program volume.
VIFF has a particular strength in Asia-Pacific cinema that reflects Vancouver's geographic position on the Pacific Rim and its large Asian-Canadian population. The Dragons and Tigers program, dedicated to emerging Asian cinema, is one of the most respected programs of its kind in the Western world and has been a key discovery platform for directors who have subsequently become major figures in world cinema.
The festival's industry forum, VIFF Industry, has grown into an important platform for Canadian and international filmmakers to access market participants and professional development resources.
Key Sections
- Dragons and Tigers -- competition for emerging Asian filmmakers
- Canadian Images -- Canadian documentary and fiction
- Nonfiction and Documentary -- international documentary programming
- Big Shorts -- a curated short film program
- VIFF Industry -- industry forum including market activities and co-production networking
- Gateway -- global cinema programming
- Altered States -- documentary and investigative cinema
What Filmmakers Should Know
VIFF accepts open submissions. For filmmakers working in Asian cinema, the Dragons and Tigers competition provides competitive recognition from a Western festival that takes Asian cinema seriously and has deep programming expertise in the region.
For Canadian filmmakers, VIFF is one of the three most important domestic festivals alongside TIFF and Hot Docs. The festival's programming of Canadian documentary and fiction provides a major platform for domestic work reaching Canadian audiences and press.
Major Awards
- Dragons and Tigers Award -- Best Emerging Asian Film
- Best Canadian Film -- audience and jury recognition
- Best Documentary
- Audience Award -- across categories
- FIPRESCI Prize
Festival History
VIFF was founded in 1982 and has operated continuously since then, growing from a modest regional event into one of North America's most comprehensive film festivals. The Dragons and Tigers program, established in 1994, has been particularly influential in shaping the Western reception of Asian art cinema.
See Also
For understanding Asian cinema, see International Film Markets. For Canadian festival strategy, see Film Festival Strategy.
