Jonas, one of the most promising long-distance runners in Switzerland with a difficult past, finds an unthinkable outlet for his inner turmoil. Inspired by a true Swiss crime.
12:45 PM - WHAT IS DEMOCRACY? | 107 MIN
12:45 PM - SIR | 99 MIN
When Elan and Jonathan’s grandmother dies, they undertake an archaeological excavation of her home to uncover truths about her fantastical life in a journey that blends fantasy and reality.
9:15 PM - DON’T BE NICE | 95 MIN
Working-class lad Amberson is written off as “charity case” at his all-boys boarding school, until he discovers a way to befriend the school hero, Winchester, by helping him woo the mysterious and beautiful daughter of their visiting French teacher.
6:30 PM - THE ETRUSCAN SMILE | 103 MIN
Rugged Scotsman Rory MacNeil (Brian Cox), reluctantly leaves his beloved Scottish home to undergo medical treatment in San Francisco. While staying with his estranged son, his life transforms when he forms a strong bond with his newborn grandson.
9:15 PM - STOCKHOLM | 92 MIN
Ethan Hawke stars in this wildly entertaining retelling of the 1973 hostage crisis that baffled law enforcement and originated the term Stockholm Syndrome.
6:15 pm - THROUGH BLACK SPRUCE | 111 min
From the Giller-award winning novel by Joseph Boyden comes a layered and emotional journey about a young Cree woman who is looking for her lost sister Suzanne.
9:00 pm - ANTHEM OF A TEENAGE PROPHET | 105 min
Adapted from Joanne Proulx’s eponymous award-winning novel, a stylish and authentic exploration of youthful struggle with an unusual twist.
Check out work by local filmmakers.
9:15 PM - 3 FACES | 100 MIN
A family embark on a walk across the British countryside to remember their brother, Evelyn.
6:45 PM - INVISIBLE ESSENCE: THE LITTLE PRINCE | 90 MIN An exploration of the world’s most translated book, The Little Prince, the journey of its author, and how he came to create the international phenomenon.
9:15 PM - THE OTHER RIO | 98 MIN In the lead-up to the 2016 Summer Olympics and 2018 World Cup, Brazil’s tourism was in overdrive, but director Émilie B. Guérette saw another less-polished reality.
The Vic | 808 Douglas
8:45 PM - DEAD PIGS | 130 MIN
Amanda discovers the perfect man online until things take some eye-opening turns.
Follow an emerging star in the world of new flamenco.
A teenage girl married to a wealthy polygamist in 19th century rural Vietnam finds her place in this sensual and elegant work.
6:45 PM - GENESIS 2.0 | 113 MIN
A globe-spanning, Arctic spin on Jurassic Park that explores the front lines of genetic science.
9:15 PM - ASAKO I & II | 119 MIN A young woman falls for the doppelgänger of the former boyfriend who left her without so much as a word.
Supported by the Province of British Columbia
9:00 PM - RAFIKI | 82 MIN When Kena and Ziki, the young daughters of competing politicians, find love in a rundown Nairobi neighbourhood, their love is met with more than fear and anxiety.
VENUE
4:15 PM - ETERNAL WINTER | 110 MIN
4:15 PM - IN THE SHADOWS | 117 MIN
A haunting exploration of obsession and morality following a lonely introvert as he secretly video surveils his small community in the twisty maze of Delhi.
GOVERNMENT
A quirky and complex dark comedy about a lowly pig farmer with nowhere to dispose of his pigs.
6:30 PM - IMPULSO | 85 MIN
Odeon 5 | 780 Yates St
The Vic | 808 Douglas
From award-winning Danish filmmaker Michael Noer comes a captivating period piece that follows a struggling farmer who must go against his morals in order to secure his family’s survival over a harsh winter.
6:30 PM - THE STRANGER | 104 MIN
9:00 PM - THE THIRD WIFE | 96 MIN
DIRECTORS
Up-and-coming Hungarian director Atilla Szász’s true story of an unlikely romance in a Soviet labour camp.
6:45 PM - THE UNORTHODOX | 92 MIN Eliran Malka’s entertaining historical drama sees Yaakov Cohen, a middle-aged printer in Jerusalem, infuriated by anti-Sephardi prejudice, decide to create a new political party.
9:15 PM - LOVE, SCOTT | 75 MIN
SUPPORTING
When Scott Jones was attacked because he was gay, an old friend came to his bedside in the hospital to craft a beautifully and deeply moving story of transformation.
2:00 PM - TELL IT TO THE BEES | 106 MIN Anna Paquin stars as an ostracized small-town doctor in post-war Scotland, who befriends a struggling mother and son, helping them discover true love and liberty.
6:30 PM - IN CONVERSATION WITH SMOKE SIGNALS
As we honor the 20th anniversary of Smoke Signals, enjoy a screening of the film followed by conversation with director Chris Eyre and actors Tantoo Cardinal and Evan Adams. Hosted by Richard Crouse of CTV’s Pop Life.
9:15 PM - FUNNY COW | 102 MIN
Charts the rise to stardom of a female comedienne through the 1970’s and 1980’s. It is set against the backdrop of working men’s clubs and the stand-up comedy circuit of the North of England.
SINK OR SWIM
12:15 PM - FIVE MEN AND A CARAVAGGIO | 74 MIN
A Christmas comedy that involves thequintessential holiday paradox: families coming together to celebrate when they spend the rest of the year avoiding each other.
3:15 pm - INVISIBLE ESSENCE: THE LITTLE PRINCE | 90 min
6:45 PM - VIFPA SCREENING
A patient and enduring exploration of three female actors and the Iranian patriarchal society’s view of them.
12:15 PM - THAT TIME OF YEAR | 101 MIN
An exploration of the world’s most translated book, The Little Prince, the journey of its author, and how he came to create the international phenomenon.
A young woman falls for the doppelgänger of the former boyfriend who left her without so much as a word.
4:15 PM - EVELYN | 100 MIN
When Elan and Jonathan’s grandmother dies, they undertake an archaeological excavation of her home to uncover truths about her fantastical life in a journey that blends fantasy and reality.
An Italian poet receives a replica of Caravaggio’s painting “St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness” for his 40th birthday. The painting triggers a poignant and sometimes humorous look at life for the poet, painter and friends.
3:15 PM - NETIZENS | 96 MIN
Meet the women who have survived devastating online harassment as they share their incredible stories to bring light to this important and criminally-overlooked issue.
6:15 PM - BEFORE THE FROST | 104 MIN
From award-winning Danish filmmaker Michael Noer comes a captivating period piece that follows a struggling farmer who must go against his morals in order to secure his family’s survival over a harsh winter.
6:15 PM - DEAD PIGS | 130 MIN
6:15 PM - THE REPORTS ON SARAH AND SALEEM | 127 MIN
A quirky and complex dark comedy about a lowly pig farmer with nowhere to dispose of his pigs.
9:00 PM - A SISTER’S SONG | 81 MIN
Two decades after Tatiana found a spiritual calling in a remote monastery, her sister Marina feels compelled to reconnect with her again.
9:00 PM - THE UNORTHODOX | 92 MIN Eliran Malka’s entertaining historical drama sees Yaakov Cohen, a middle-aged printer in Jerusalem, infuriated by anti-Sephardi prejudice, decide to create a new political party.
THE GRIZZLIES
8:00 PM - BEAUTIFUL OBSESSIONS
9:00 PM - RAMEN SHOP | 90 MIN A young man's bittersweet journey to the land of his long-deceased mother and the culinary adventure that follows.
A loving tribute to Bosnian grandparents and an earnest attempt to better understand the place Bojan Bodružić left as a child during the war in Saravejo.
8:45 PM - MUSIC MOVES ME
Blending incredible archival footage with fascinating testimonials, The Raft gives an insight into one of the most surreal social experiments ever to take place on the open seas.
9:00 PM - ADAM AND EVELYN | 100 MIN A personal view of the last days of the GDR and the decisions people had to make.
6:00 PM - MUSEUM OF FORGOTTEN TRIUMPHS | 87 MIN
6:00 PM - LOVE, SCOTT | 75 MIN When Scott Jones was attacked because he was gay, an old friend came to his bedside in the hospital to craft a beautifully and deeply moving story of transformation.
A taut, engrossing Palestinian drama about an extramarital affair between a Jewish Israeli woman and a Muslim Palestinian.
6:15 PM - THE RAFT | 97 MIN
SilverCity 3 3130 Tillicum Rd
6:45 PM - 306 HOLLYWOOD | 94 MIN
3:45 PM - ASAKO I & II I 119 MIN
When a proud 60-year-old shopkeeper falls ill, he refuses treatment to find his long lost Japanese father instead.
8:45 PM - 306 HOLLYWOOD | 94 MIN
6:00 PM - SEDER-MASOCHISM | 78 MIN
Parkside 810 Humboldt St
3:45 PM - ROBBERY | 93 MIN
Before he gets back on the straight and narrow Richie tries to mine his dad’s fading memory for advice about pulling off several heists.
Class, caste and tradition collide when a master falls in love with his maid.
9:00 PM - FATHER TO SON | 115 MIN
Follows three Nepali students, Tsering Deki, Jeewan and Nima, all left at the Snowland Ranag Light of Education School in Kathmandu as toddlers.
Capitol 6 | 805 Yates St
9:00 PM - MIDNIGHT RUNNER | 92 MIN
A powerful and moving film about refugees in Europe – Switzerland’s Official Entry for the Oscars.
Odeon 5 | 780 Yates St
Blending incredible archival footage with fascinating testimonials, The Raft gives an insight into one of the most surreal social experiments ever to take place on the open seas.
Odeon 5 | 780 Yates St
6:30 PM - THE RAFT | 97 MIN
6:30 PM - ELDORADO | 92 MIN
Capitol 6 | 805 Yates St
An intimate and intense portrait of rhythmic gymnast Margarita Mamun, the main star of the prestigious Russian National Team at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
A family embark on a walk across the British countryside to remember their brother, Evelyn.
Director Astra Taylor (Zižek!) boldly examines the millennium old concept of democracy through a contemporary lens.
The Vic | 808 Douglas
The Vic | 808 Douglas Odeon 5 | 780 Yates St
3:30 PM - OVER THE LIMIT | 74 MIN
When Kena and Ziki, the young daughters of competing politicians, find love in a rundown Nairobi neighbourhood, their love is met with more than fear and anxiety.
6:15 PM - BEFORE THE FROST | 104 MIN
Independent animator Nina Paley (Sita Sings the Blues) tackles the male-dominated view of Passover and her own family’s history in this unforgettable and hilarious musical retelling of the Book of Exodus.
8:45 PM - THE COST OF LOOKING
Shorts Program: Films that ask how far do you go to get your sense of self-satisfaction?
SHORTS PROGRAM: Films that explore the power of sounds and silences in our individual lives.
Shorts Program: Films about what we see when we look around and the price we pay for looking further than we normally do.
6:00 PM - OLD BOYS | 96 MIN
6:00 PM - THE TROUBLE WITH YOU | 108 MIN
6:00 PM - EDGE OF THE KNIFE | 100 MIN
Working-class lad Amberson is written off as “charity case” at his all-boys boarding school, until he discovers a way to befriend the school hero, Winchester, by helping him to woo the mysterious and beautiful daughter of their visiting French teacher.
8:45 PM - THE ETRUSCAN SMILE | 103 MIN Rugged Scotsman Rory MacNeil (Brian Cox), reluctantly leaves his beloved Scottish home to undergo medical treatment in San Francisco. While staying with his estranged son, his life transforms when he forms a strong bond with his newborn grandson.
In a town on the French Riviera, detective Yvonne, the young widow of police chief and local hero, Santi, discovers her husband’s corrupt past in this upbeat comedy.
8:45 PM - NON-FICTION | 98 MIN A droll look at a group of middle-aged and middle-class French dealing with hyper-connectivity affecting their lives. Featuring Juliette Binoche and Guillaume Canet.
Dave Dunnet Theatre 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd
Qiao has found love in a gang but when her violent boyfriend is trapped and beaten by a mob, things change fast.
From the Giller-award winning novel by Joseph Boyden comes a layered and emotional journey about a young Cree woman who is looking for her lost sister Suzanne.
8:45 PM - RAFIKI | 82 MIN
SilverCity 3 3130 Tillicum Rd
9:00 PM - ASH IS PUREST WHITE | 136 MIN
9:00 PM - EVELYN | 100 MIN
8:45 PM - SPLINTERS | 94 MIN
12:30 PM - THROUGH BLACK SPRUCE | 111 MIN
2:00 PM - OLD BOYS | 96 MIN
6:15 PM - ANGELIQUE’S ISLE | 90 MIN Powerful, authentic performances drive a haunting story of love, resilience and survival for a Métis voyageur and his 17-year old Anishnaabe bride, Angelique.
Madeleine Olnek’s witty ensemble comedy does away with Emily Dickinson’s reclusive persona by reimagining her vivacious later years with her sister-in-law.
Best Canadian Feature at TIFF is a story of an awkward young adult, Léonie, getting ready to spend an ordinary summer vacation in her home.
Parkside 810 Humboldt St
Director Ben Wheatley offers a pared-down, crackling comedy about a dysfunctional family invited by Colin to celebrate the New Year together in ostentatious surroundings.
6:30 PM - WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY | 84 MIN
6:15 PM - FIREFLIES ARE GONE | 95 MIN
A young woman confronts her mother’s legacy in an emotionally-charged drama that explores how across generations women have addressed their socialization.
Wednesday February 6
6:15 PM - CHILDREN OF THE SNOW LAND | 93 MIN
Dave Dunnet Theatre 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd
9:15 PM - HAPPY NEW YEAR, COLIN BURSTEAD | 95 MIN
A teenage girl married to a wealthy polygamist in 19th century rural Vietnam finds her place in this sensual and elegant work.
In a town on the French Riviera, detective Yvonne, the young widow of police chief and local hero, Santi, discovers her husband’s corrupt past in this upbeat comedy.
SilverCity 3 3130 Tillicum Rd
A jaunty comedy about a group of 40-something men deciding to shake off their midlife malaise by forming a synchronized swimming team.
3:30 PM - THE THIRD WIFE | 96 MIN
3:45 PM - THE TROUBLE WITH YOU | 108 MIN
Tuesday February 5
6:15 PM - MOUTHPIECE | 91 MIN
Years after coming out to her conservative family, Belle returns home for her father’s funeral, bringing along a man she’s been dating for two years.
Follow the Bowery Slam Poetry team on an intimate and electric journey to the national championships. You never knew competitive poetry would be this gripping.
Victoria Conference Ctr 720 Douglas St
6:30 PM - OPENING GALA FILM SINK OR SWIM | 122 MIN
A political drama high up in the Andes throws Latin American presidents with competing interests against each other.
To evade conscription and assignment to the front, Philippe, a Quebecer, flees to the western U.S., where he enters a Charlie Chaplin lookalike contest.
Parkside 810 Humboldt St
Capitol 6 | 805 Yates St
Class, caste and tradition collide when a master falls in love with his maid.
SilverCity 3 3130 Tillicum Rd
SilverCity 3 3130 Tillicum Rd
Victoria Conference Ctr 720 Douglas St
Capitol 6 | 805 Yates St
6:45 PM - ETERNAL WINTER | 110 MIN
9:15 PM - SIR | 99 MIN
Tantoo Cardinal plays a successful musician who returns home to re-evaluate her life after decades on the road with her band and a controlling manager. With short: Cedar Tree of Life
Capitol 6 | 805 Yates St
6:30 pm - WALKING ON WATER | 105 min
Up-and-coming Hungarian director Atilla Szász’s true story of an unlikely romance in a Soviet labour camp.
8:45 PM - FALLS AROUND HER | 98 MIN
Victoria Conference Ctr 720 Douglas St
An experiment on the behaviour of skin cells during sexual arousal gives Marie-Claire the excuse she needs to explore her wildest fantasies.
Odeon 5 | 780 Yates St
Odeon 5 | 780 Yates St
9:00 PM - LES SALOPES OR THE NATURALLY WANTON PLEASURE OF SKIN | 89 MIN
As Canada’s entry for the Academy Awards, Family First (Chien de garde ) follows JP, a quiet considerate young man who lives in a cramped apartment in Montreal’s suburbs.
12:30 PM - THE SUMMIT | 114 MIN
6:15 PM - WALKING ON WATER | 90 MIN Follow famed artist Christo as he creates his most ambitious art installation yet–two miles of golden piers on Italy’s Lake Iseo.
6:15 PM - FAMILY FIRST | 87 MIN
SilverCity 3 3130 Tillicum Rd
An Italian poet receives a replica of Caravaggio’s painting “St. John the Baptist in the Wilderness” for his 40th birthday. The painting triggers a poignant, sometimes humorous look at life for the poet, painter and friends.
The Vic | 808 Douglas
The Vic | 808 Douglas
8:45 PM - FIVE MEN AND A CARAVAGGIO | 74 MIN
Amanda discovers the perfect man online until things take some eye-opening turns.
Monday February 4
12:45 PM - GREAT DARKENED DAYS | 94 MIN
3:45 PM - THE STRANGER | 104 MIN
6:15 PM - MAYBE A LOVE STORY | 101 MIN What happens when someone breaks up with you, but you don’t even know who they are?
Sunday February 3
Capitol 6 | 805 Yates St
Saturday February 2
Dave Dunnet Theatre 2121 Cadboro Bay Rd
Friday February 1
In 19th century Haida Gwaii, a tragic accident at sea triggers a series of events that threatens to tear apart two extended Haida families. With short: Revive
MEDIA 8:45 PM - SINK OR SWI M | 122 MIN A jaunty comedy about a group of 40-something men deciding to shake off their midlife malaise by forming a synchronized swimming team.