Film buffs and those curious to dip into the scene can officially catch hundreds of movie screenings this fall at the 2025 Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). This includes award-winning features and short films from across the globe, covering a wide range of genres and topics.
The 44th annual festival will celebrate the work of filmmakers from all corners of the world, as well as local talent right here in B.C. Visitors can also check out dozens of filmmaker Q&As, VIFF Talks with top industry creatives, and exclusive live performances.
More international films, more documentaries
According to a VIFF representative, the festival’s expanded programming this year will be distinguished by a significant selection of movies from South America, a greater focus on documentary and nonfiction films, and a special showcase of Korean cinema.
Highlights include the Canadian premiere of What Does That Nature Say to You, directed by Hong Sangsoo (South Korea). The film tells the story of a young poet who drops his girlfriend off at her parents’ house and is amazed by its size. He ends up spending the day with her family, conversing and indulging in food and libations.
Directed by Radu Jude (Romania/Austria/Luxembourg/Brazil), Dracula will also make its Canadian debut in Vancouver. The montage film draws on the classic vampire film and folk genres to adapt the first Romanian vampire novella for the screen. A Dracula film that’s actually made in Transylvania!
Another Canadian premiere to look forward to is Seeds, directed by Brittany Shyne (USA). The film won a US Grand Jury Prize in the Documentary category at this year’s prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
The documentary examines the lives of Black generational farmers, delving into the challenges of maintaining a legacy and the value of land ownership.
The most highly anticipated films of 2025
According to VIFF, this year’s Special Presentations lineup is the largest in VIFF’s history. From Cannes standouts to works by rising talents, here are the most highly anticipated films coming to this year’s festival:
- It Was Just an Accident, dir. Jafar Panahi
- Sentimental Value, dir. Joachim Trier
- Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, dir. Matt Johnson
- Sirât, dir. Óliver Laxe
- Young Mothers, dir. Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne
- Nouvelle Vague, dir. Richard Linklater
- Rental Family, dir. HIKARI
- A Private Life, dir. Rebecca Zlotowski
- No Other Choice, dir. Park Chan-wook
- Mile End Kicks, dir. Chandler Levack
- After the Hunt, dir. Luca Guadagnino
- Steal Away, dir. Clement Virgo
- The Secret Agent, dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho
- Franz, dir. Agnieszka Holland
- The Mastermind, dir. Kelly Reichardt
- Kokuho, dir. Sang-il Lee
- Palestine 36, dir. Annemarie Jacir
- Jay Kelly, dir. Noah Baumbach
- Father Mother Sister Brother, dir. Jim Jarmusch
- Christy, dir. David Michôd
- Closing Gala: Köln 75, dir. Ido Fluk, With Live Performance by Chris Gestrin
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, dir. Rian Johnson
- Köln 75, dir. Ido Fluk
VIFF will add 20 percent more screenings come October, as well as introduce two new venues: the Granville Island Stage at the Arts Club Theatre and the Alliance Française.
Where to catch a movie
In addition to the VIFF Centre, movie-watchers can head to the following participating theatres for screenings this October:
- The Rio Theatre
- Vancouver Playhouse
- The Cinematheque
- SFU Woodwards
- Science World
- International Village 7
- International Village 8
- International Village 9
- International Village 10
- Granville Island Stage
- Fifth Avenue Cinemas
Tickets and screening info
This year’s VIFF will take place from Thursday, Oct. 2 to Sunday, Oct. 12. Single tickets for films and events are on sale as of Thursday, Aug. 28, at noon. Stay tuned until then for prices.
For the duration of the festival, all VIFF theatres will serve as box offices, where tickets for any film can be purchased in person.
Note that all VIFF Centre and Fifth Avenue Cinema screenings are 19+.
What are you most excited to see hit the silver screen?
When: Oct. 2 to Oct. 12, 2025
Time: Showtimes vary
Where: VIFF Centre (1181 Seymour St.) and theatres across Vancouver
Cost: Tickets on sale at noon on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025
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