Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF)

Historical Significance

• Originally launched in 1958, VIFF discontinued in 1969 due to financial difficulties.
• The festival was relaunched in 1982 under the leadership of Leonard Schein, marking the beginning of its modern form.
• In 2019, the Government of Canada provided $1.4 million in funding to support the festival and improve its main theatre.
• Today, VIFF is among the top five largest film festivals in North America in terms of both audience attendance and number of films screened.

Festival Highlights & Industry Impact

• Main programming focuses on:
  • East Asian Cinema – A curated selection of top Asian filmmakers.
  • Canadian Cinema – Showcasing emerging and established Canadian talent.
  • Documentary & Non-Fiction – Spotlighting impactful, real-world stories.
• VIFF Centre serves as a hub for year-round screenings, events, and workshops.
• Attracts global industry leaders and filmmakers for networking and discussions.

Awards & Recognitions

VIFF presents a range of juried and audience-voted awards, celebrating excellence in international, Canadian, and immersive storytelling.

Key Festival Awards

• Most Popular International Film
• National Film Board Award for Best Documentary
• Dragons & Tigers Award for Young Cinema (East Asian film competition)
• Citytv Western Canadian Feature Film Award
• Kyoto Planet “Climate for Change” Award

Canadian Spotlight Awards

• Best Canadian Film – $15,000 award by Directors Guild of Canada (DGC).
• Best BC Film – $10,000 from Creative BC + $15,000 post-production credit.
• Best Canadian Documentary – $15,000 from Rogers Group of Funds.
• Best BC Short Film – $5,000 from TELUS Storyhive.
• Most Promising Director of a Canadian Short Film

International Awards

• VIFF Impact Award – $5,000 for outstanding documentaries.
• Rob Stewart Eco Warrior Award – $5,000 for activist-driven storytelling.

VIFF Immersed Awards (Virtual Reality & Digital Storytelling)

• Best in Cinematic Live-Action
• Best in Documentary
• Best in Animation

Audience Awards

• Super Channel People’s Choice Award
• Most Popular International & Canadian Features & Documentaries

Future Vision & Industry Growth

VIFF continues to expand its influence globally, offering a platform for innovative storytelling, independent cinema, and immersive experiences. With a commitment to sustainability, diversity, and cutting-edge digital storytelling, VIFF remains a key player in the international film festival circuit.

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