VIFF STREAMING A NEW EXPERIENCE
Lectures, special events aim to enhance films
The 35th anniversary of the Vancouver International Film Festival is launching some new initiatives geared toward enhancing attendees’ viewing experiences.
Recognizing that today’s digital realm means filmgoers are engaged in a movie at more levels than merely passively watching, VIFF is launching new programming streams that capture everything from related lectures and special events all under a curated screening model.
These B.C.-oriented streams will continue to be developed through the year at the Vancouver International Film Centre at 1181 Seymour.
New programming will fall into streams titled Panorama (global/ major creators), Ignite (which includes the B.C. Spotlight series), True North (Canadian focus), Impact (hot topics), Next (VR, gaming, emerging tech platforms), Gateway (Eastern Asian auteurs), M/A/D (music, art, design), and ALT (filmmaking from the fringes).
Among the films selected for the B.C. spotlight Ignite series are Alex Lasheras’ Cadence, Anne Marie Fleming’s animated Window Horse, and documentarist Nettie Wild’s KONELINE: Our land beautiful, about natural and commercial goals on the land of the Tahltan First Nation.
Further highlighting the interactive experience will be the VIFF Hub, a focus point for such screenbased events as talks, sessions, master classes and more between creators and audiences.
VIFF Hub events announced include the New Frontiers Series: Virtual Reality, Industry Exchange, Creator Talks, Sustainable Production Forum, Totally Indie Day and Late Night at the Hub featuring live music and video jams into the wee hours.
The VIFF runs Sept. 29-Oct. 14. Tickets are $15 and up, and passes and ticket packs will be available online Sept. 1 at viff.org. Single tickets: Sept. 8 online; in-person Sept. 15. All talk and special-events tickets on sale at this time.