Vancouver’s cinematic heartbeat is about to pulse stronger than ever. The 44th Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) returns October 2–12, 2025, promising 11 packed days of film, music, talks, and immersive experiences that celebrate the art of storytelling in all its forms. This year’s festival is the biggest yet, boasting more than 435 screenings, 170 feature films, and 100 shorts across 13 screens at 10 venues—including new cultural partners on Granville Island and at Alliance Française.
For parents, film lovers, and Vancouverites looking for a cultural adventure this fall, here’s everything you need to know about VIFF 2025—and why it’s shaping up to be the most ambitious festival in its 44-year history.
Opening and Closing Nights: Bookending the Festival with Legends
VIFF will open with Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, a lively dramatization of the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless—a film that changed cinema forever. Starring Guillaume Marbeck, Zoey Deutch, and Aubry Dullin, the film dives into the chaotic and exhilarating spirit of the French New Wave.
The festival closes with Ido Fluk’s Köln 75, which follows 16-year-old music promoter Vera Brandes (Mala Emde) as she struggles to stage the now-iconic 1975 concert that became Keith Jarrett’s The Köln Concert. The closing gala includes a special live solo performance by Vancouver pianist Chris Gestrin, bringing Jarrett’s music to life in real time.
Global Highlights: From Cannes to Canadian Premieres
This year’s program is loaded with some of the most buzzed-about films of the year. Expect Canadian premieres of Jim Jarmusch’s Father Mother Sister Brother, Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, and Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia. VIFF is also bringing every major Cannes award-winner to Vancouver, including Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just an Accident (Palme d’Or winner) and the North American premiere of Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne’s Young Mothers.
Film lovers will also get a chance to see an extraordinary Spotlight on Korea, featuring new films from Park Chan-wook (No Other Choice), Hong Sangsoo (What Does That Nature Say to You), and seven emerging Korean directors presenting three world premieres.
Celebrating Canadian Talent
For local families, one of the most exciting parts of VIFF is how it elevates British Columbia’s own filmmakers. This year’s BC-produced highlights include:
- Akashi by Mayumi Yoshida (World Premiere)
- Clan of the Painted Lady by Jennifer Chiu (World Premiere)
- Treasure of the Rice Terraces by Kent Donguines (World Premiere)
- The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes by Jenn Strom (World Premiere)
- Thanks to the Hard Work of the Elephants by Bryce Hodgson (World Premiere)
This strong local lineup makes VIFF a great place to introduce teens to the creativity flourishing in their own backyard.
Beyond the Screen: VIFF Talks, VIFF Live & Signals
VIFF is more than just a film festival—it’s an entire cultural playground.
- VIFF Talks bring audiences face-to-face with cinematic innovators. This year’s highlights include conversations with writer Jenny Lumet (Rachel Getting Married, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Janicza Bravo (Zola), and iconic Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk (Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner).
- VIFF Live delivers one-of-a-kind events where music and film intersect. Don’t miss Mad Professor’s live dub performance, claire rousay’s live score for The Bloody Lady, and an ambient collaboration between Julianna Barwick and loscil.
- Signals Creative Tech Expo explores how technology is transforming storytelling, from XR installations to AI-driven art. This year’s theme, Lightening Stories and Collective Dreams, prioritizes healing, human connection, and imagination—an incredible family outing for older teens interested in tech, art, and gaming.
Artist & Industry Programming
For filmmakers, creators, and storytellers, VIFF offers Industry Days and Artist & Industry programming designed to build careers and foster collaboration. Panels cover everything from co-producing Canadian and Korean stories to rethinking animation as auteur cinema, and even exploring AI’s impact on acting and post-production.
Music creators will love VIFF Amp, the Music in Media Summit, which connects composers and producers with industry leaders—including workshops with Riot Games, Pixar’s Danna brothers, and a composer-filmmaker accelerator featuring the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Tickets, Passes & Accessibility
Tickets for VIFF 2025 are designed to be as flexible as possible, with single tickets starting at $21 and discounted packs available. The free U25 membership is perfect for students and young adults, offering further discounts. Passes for dedicated festival-goers and industry professionals are also available, including Platinum Passes for those planning to see everything.
Why VIFF 2025 Matters
As VIFF Executive Director Kyle Fostner puts it, “In a world grappling with tension and austerity, it’s a privilege to be at VIFF during a period of optimism and ascendence.” With 20% more screenings than last year, a record-breaking number of premieres, and an expanded presence across Vancouver, VIFF 2025 feels like a true celebration—not just of cinema, but of community, creativity, and connection.
Whether you’re a film buff, a music lover, a tech enthusiast, or just a parent looking for an inspiring night out, VIFF 2025 offers a program worth marking on your calendar.
Learn more and grab tickets at viff.org