Immerse yourself in the captivating world of the silver screen as B.C. transforms into a haven for film enthusiasts this winter! From January through March, we host a diverse array of film festivals, each providing a unique cinematic experience showcasing many B.C. and international films. Here are six upcoming film festivals that might pique your interest.
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) is an annual event that celebrates the spirit of adventure and exploration through film. Showcasing a diverse selection of documentaries and shorts, VIMFF brings together filmmakers, outdoor enthusiasts, and adventurers to share stories of awe-inspiring landscapes, daring expeditions, and the indomitable human spirit. With a focus on mountain culture and outdoor pursuits, VIMFF offers a platform for both seasoned and emerging filmmakers to inspire and connect with audiences passionate about the great outdoors. This year’s festival will be online and in-person from February 23 – March 24.
Hosted in Invermere on February 1 – 4, the Invermere Film Festival is an annual cultural highlight that brings the community together for a cinematic experience. Showcasing a diverse selection of films over 4 days, including local productions and international gems, the festival provides a platform for filmmakers to share their stories and creativity. Attendees can expect an immersive and enriching weekend, filled with engaging screenings, discussions, and the opportunity to celebrate the art of filmmaking in the beautiful setting of Invermere.
KDocsFF’s 10th Anniversary Film Festival is taking place from February 21 to 25 in Vancouver! This milestone event promises to be an unforgettable experience for film enthusiasts and documentary lovers alike. From thought-provoking documentaries to engaging panel discussions, this year’s festival is a testament to over a decade of showcasing powerful stories that inspire, inform, and challenge perspectives. Audiences are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare to immerse themselves in a diverse selection of films as the organization commemorates a decade of celebrating the art of storytelling through the lens of documentary film and documentary activism.
The Victoria Film Festival (VFF) is celebrating their 30th anniversary this year! For 10 days, VFF will showcase a rich variety of films from across the globe, catering to a broad spectrum of tastes and interests. From gripping dramas to insightful documentaries, the festival offers attendees a chance to deeply engage with compelling cinematic experiences. VFF is a highlight in the cultural landscape of Vancouver Island and takes place from February 2 to 11.
The MENA Film Festival is Canada’s premier cultural event celebrating creatives from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), also known as the Southwest Asia and North Africa (SWANA) community and its diaspora through film. From January 27 to February 1, MENA will showcase over forty carefully curated films, including features and shorts bundles, under the theme of time and its passage. Beyond film screenings, the festival offers workshops, panels, Q&As, and networking opportunities, providing a vital platform for under-represented talent and fostering meaningful connections in the global film community.
The Gender Equality and Media Festival (GEMFest) is dedicated to showcasing a diverse range of short and feature-length films across all genres by both established and emerging women and gender-diverse filmmakers globally, with a strong showing of films by Indigenous, local BC, and Canadian filmmakers. The event is scheduled from March 8 – 12 as a hybrid of in-person screenings and events as well as a virtual festival portion It is the only film festival dedicated to women and gender diverse people in Western Canada, and one of only three international film festivals for women and gender-diverse individuals in Canada.
