Welcome to the Festival
A message from the Prime Minister of Canada
A message from the Premier of British Columbia
A message from the Mayor of Vancouver
Dear Friends:
As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I’m pleased to welcome everyone to the 2021 Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).
On behalf of the City of Vancouver and my colleagues on City Council, I want to extend my congratulations to the organizers of the 40th annual Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).
I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 2021 Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF). This much-anticipated event offers a wonderful opportunity to experience some of the best cinema from around the world. I am certain that everyone in attendance will be entertained and engaged by the diverse selection of films being screened during this 40th anniversary edition of VIFF, and that the many talks, workshops, performances, and other events planned for this year’s festival will enhance the experience for everyone involved.
Please accept my best wishes for a memorable experience.
I would like to recognize the numerous organizers, volunteers, adjudicators, and sponsors whose hard work and dedication to film have made this event such a success for the last four decades. I have no doubt that this year’s selection of diverse films and powerful stories from Canadian and international filmmakers will impress fans and critics alike, and I congratulate the filmmakers and all those involved in the productions for their inclusion in this prestigious event.
Sincerely,
Enjoy the festival!
The Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P.
Honourable John Horgan
It continues to be a challenging time for planning and hosting events. That is why I would like to thank the festival organizers and volunteers for their hard work and dedication in ensuring this year’s VIFF could still take place. Your efforts ensure the continued success of this outstanding event.
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Over the past 40 years, the Vancouver International Film Festival has grown into an internationally renowned festival that showcases BC as a vibrant cultural destination and promotes our local film industry. After an innovative online festival last year, it is wonderful to see audiences safely welcomed back to in-cinema screenings at the newly renovated VIFF Centre and partner theatres throughout Vancouver.
Film is a multifaceted art form that gives power to its storytellers, allowing us to gain insight and understanding into the distinct perspectives of the people who make them. This year’s VIFF program will showcase a vibrant blend of international selections from every corner of the globe. These films come from some of the world’s boldest creators, including inspired work from Canadian storytellers. VIFF is also an opportunity to learn more about these films through engaging and interactive conversations with the filmmakers. Thank you and congratulations to the filmmakers, artists, organizers, and volunteers for another successful year of VIFF. Mayor Kennedy Stewart
