Discover Cinema at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival

Discover a wealth of independent cinema from a diverse array of Asian filmmakers at the 28th annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) from November 7 to 17 with screenings held at Cineplex International Village.

VAFF’s 2024 program, themed “Future Voices,” is packed with 104 interesting films (86 premieres) featuring all kinds of fresh talent and bold storytelling from the international Asian diaspora, including many Asian-Canadian artists.

What to See

Not sure where to start or what to watch at VAFF? Try these three fine films:

Extremely Unique Dynamic (opening film, Nov. 7) – Laugh and cry as a pair of real-life friends shoot an improvised, no-budget indie film on their last weekend together in Los Angeles before moving on with their lives in this self-referential bro comedy.

Between Pictures: The Lens of Tamio Wakayama (Nov. 8) – Relive the remarkable life and career of the Japanese-Canadian photographer through the framework of his family’s history being imprisoned in internment camps to his tireless efforts to capture the 1960s civil rights movement in the American South.

It Takes A Village: An East Van Story (Nov. 10) – Learn more about growing up in East Vancouver through a family of Ugandan immigrants as they build a community around them and embrace their new home in one of Canada’s most diverse neighbourhoods.

Special & Industry Events

Each year, VAFF selects a special festival ambassador to frame its programming around. This year, Fresh Off the Boat star Hudson Yang, who appears in the aforementioned Extremely Unique Dynamic, will show up to help celebrate and uplift contemporary Asian voices.

Check out one of the many Special Events and Industry Events that include a variety of talkbacks, chats, after parties, and roundtables:

VAFF Opening Party @ Slate (Nov. 7) – Share a drink and get on the dance floor with VAFF's community of filmmakers and industry guests to celebrate the start of the festival.

Fireside Chat with Hudson Yang @ Vancouver Film School (Nov. 9) – Join this year's VAFF ambassador and former child star as he talks about his experiences in Hollywood and show business.

Talking Music: Breaking Down Scoring for TV/Film @ Vancouver Film School (Nov. 10) – Learn about composing music for television and film projects from the Chan brothers, Caleb and Brian.

Dinner and a Movie

Located in the Crosstown area surrounded by Gastown, Downtown, and Chinatown, the International Village mall is surrounded by some great restaurants and bars to visit before or after your VAFF screening.

For something tasty to eat, try heading to Chambar, Marugame Udon, or Di Beppe. You can also grab a quick drink and snack at Devil’s Elbow, The Magnet, or The Pint.

Founded in 1995, VAFF first debuted in 1997 and has since become a transformative force for Asian stories within Canada’s cinematic landscape. It’s the nation’s longest-running Asian film festival and acts as an artistic hub for creative voices beyond cultural boundaries.

To browse the full program and purchase tickets, visit VAFF’s website.