Vancouver International Film Festival returns with 250+ films this fall

Grab the popcorn and don’t forget the butter because one of the largest film festivals in North America is returning to Vancouver this fall.

The 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival has announced its full lineup, taking place from Thursday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 12.

Movie lovers will discover 170 features and 100 shorts from around the world at the festival’s 44th edition. The festival will also include insightful talkbacks, conferences, live performances, and other special events.

The extensive lineup will be screened at 10 venues across the city, including two new cultural partnership locations at the Granville Island Stage (Arts Club Theatre Company) and the Alliance Française.

VIFF/Facebook

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“In a world grappling with tension and austerity, it’s a privilege to be at VIFF during a period of optimism and ascendence,” said Kyle Fostner, executive director, in a release. “The growth we’ve seen over recent years is remarkable. We’re preparing to host more than 110,000 patrons over 11 packed days. We have 20 per cent more screenings in new theatres and new neighbourhoods. Our programming team continues to expand, with top-tier curators from around the world bringing fresh perspectives.

“And, our special connection to B.C.’s film and television industry continues to grow with new programs and initiatives designed to strengthen careers and further business development. It’s such a joy to be part of a festival on the rise, and to host this momentous celebration of film and film culture.”

VIFF

Nearly 130 titles at VIFF 2025 will have premiere statuses, including 26 world premieres.

The festival opens with Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, a comedy-drama following the pioneer of the French New Wave film movement Jean-Luc Godard (Guillaume Marbeck) as he begins production on the classic Breathless with Jean Seberg (Zoey Deutch) and Jean Paul Belmondo (Aubry Dullin).

The closing film is Ido Fluk’s Köln 75, telling the story of Vera Brandes’s (Mala Emde) drive to organize the now famous 1975 concert that would become Keith Jarrett’s The Köln Concert, known as the best-selling solo jazz recording and piano album of all time.

VIFF’s closing gala will also feature a live performance by the acclaimed pianist and composer Chris Gestrin.

Nouvelle Vague

Spotlight on Korea will showcase new films by Park Chan-wook (No Other Choice) and Hong Sangsoo (the Canadian premiere of What Does That Nature Say to You), as well as films from seven emerging directors to watch.

Other films to get excited about include Canadian premieres of Father Mother Sister Brother by Jim Jarmusch, Jay Kelly by Noah Baumbach, La Grazia by Paolo Sorrentino, and Palme d’Or winner It Was Just an Accident by Jafar Panahi.

“This year’s festival will be bookended by two incredible films that explore epic artistic endeavours: Godard’s Breathless and Jarrett’s The Köln Concert,” said Curtis Woloschuk, director of programming, in a statement. “It’s a chance for audiences to both get caught up in the intoxicating rush of creating art and honour the sheer determination that’s often required to stage an event of enduring cultural significance.”

Köln 75

The popular VIFF Talks returns this year to connect film industry leaders with fans of their iconic works.

Also back this year is VIFF Amp, which showcases the important role of music in film; VIFF Live, which combines live performance and cinema culture into exciting experiences; and Signals, co-presented by VIFF and DigiBC, an exploration of how creative technologies are generating new opportunities for storytelling.

VIFF is also hosting An Evening with Marc Maron, featuring a screening of Are We Good? along with an extended Q&A with the renowned comedian and WTF Podcast host.

VIFF Talks (Christopher Edmonstone/Submitted)

Check out the full VIFF 2025 schedule online.

Vancouver International Film Festival 2025

When: Thursday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Tickets: Single tickets are $21 for regular screenings, with ticket packs and festival passes also available. VIFF+ Members receive discounts on all VIFF tickets and the free U25 membership offers additional discounts to those between the ages of 19 and 25. Purchase online

Daily Hive is a proud media sponsor of the Vancouver International Film Festival