LOCAL
Vancouver Gears Up for 2025 VIFF: What to Expect & Where to Go
The 44th Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) will take place from October 2 to 12, 2025, showcasing international and Canadian cinema across the city. This year’s program includes approximately 130 feature films and 100 shorts, spanning drama, documentary, experimental, and Indigenous works. In addition to screenings, audiences can enjoy artist talks, panels, and multimedia performances that enrich the cinematic experience.
Festival Lineup & Highlights
The festival is organized into sections such as Galas & Special Presentations, Showcase, Panorama, and Indigenous Cinema, ensuring a wide range of stories and voices. Among the most anticipated films are Factory, The Blue Trail, Orwell: 2+2=5, Ma – Cry of Silence, and A Useful Ghost. The lineup balances established filmmakers with exciting new talent, staying true to VIFF’s reputation as a platform for bold and diverse storytelling.
Venues Across Vancouver
The VIFF Centre on Seymour Street remains the heart of the festival, hosting screenings at the Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre alongside industry events. Other venues across the city include International Village, Granville Island Stage, Alliance Française, and the Vancouver Playhouse, bringing the festival’s energy to multiple neighbourhoods. Attendees are encouraged to plan early, as popular screenings often sell out.
Tips for Festivalgoers
Screening venues also serve as box offices and typically open about 30 minutes before the first show. Beyond film screenings, VIFF offers Q&A sessions, live events, and industry panels, providing opportunities to engage directly with filmmakers and creators. Whether you’re attending a gala downtown or catching a documentary at Granville Island, VIFF offers something for every film lover, making it one of Vancouver’s most anticipated cultural events each fall.