The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is set to launch its 45th edition from October 1 to 11. this year's program emphasizes non-fiction storytelling, featuring more than 50 documentaries.
A Canadian-centric pivot for the 45th edition
The Vancouver International Film Festival is leaning heavily into national storytelling to anchor its upcoming programming. According to the festival's announcement, the documentary selection will examine the lives and legacies of prominent Canadian figures, including Terry Fox, Rick Hansen, and former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney.
This focus on local history follows a successful trend for the festival, which previously saw a strong response to a documentary about the iconic Canadian band The Tragically Hip.. By dedicating more than half of its non-fiction selection to stories connected to Vancouver or Canada, VIFF is positioning itself as a vital archive of the country's social and cultural history.
162 feature films and 110,000 expected attendees
The scale of the upcoming festival is significant, with organizers expecting to attract approximately 110,000 audience members. The report notes that the 2026 festival lineup will include 162 feature films, offering a diverse mix of premieres to international film enthusiasts.
The programming breakdown includes a heavy emphasis on new releases,specifically 12 world premieres, 6 international premieres, 15 North American premieres, and 49 Canadian premieres.. These screenings will be supplemented by short films, musical events, and professional development programs to create an experience that extends beyond the traditional cinema seat.
Global voices from Vietnam to Saudi Arabia
While Canadian stories remain a priority, VIFF is maintaining its status as an international hub by showcasing filmmakers from across the globe. The festival's diverse lineup includes works from Vietnam, Singapore, Norway, France, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, Thailand, and Taiwan.
Among the notable international entries is Opera Kitsch, a North American premiere directed by Bảo Lê.. Other featured titles include Sometimes, I Imagine Them All at a Party, directed by Peter Hilgendorf and Andrew Franks, which will receive its Canadian premiere during the event.
The race to challenge Toronto's Hot Docs
The festival's massive non-fiction offering places it in direct competition with other major Canadian film events. Currently, VIFF is recognized as the second-largest documentary film festival in Canada, trailing only behind Toronto's Hot Docs.
However, several questions remain regarding the festival's specific execution. While the announcement highlights a massive documentary count, it does not specify which "live events" or "industry programs" will be included in the schedule. Additionally, while the festival claims a massive scale, it remains to be seen if this documentary-heavy strategy will allow VIFF to close the gap with Hot Docs in terms of non-fiction market share.
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