Letters of Welcome

A message from the Prime Minister of Canada

Dear Friends:

I am pleased to extend my warmest greetings to everyone attending the 2022 Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).

This much-anticipated event o ers 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 lms being screened this year and that the many talks, workshops, performances, and other events scheduled to take place will enhance the experience for everyone involved. I would like to commend The Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society for its hard work in coordinating this year’s VIFF. You can take pride in your commitment to fostering a greater understanding of the world’s cultures through the medium of lm. I would also like to thank the many volunteers for their e orts in ensuring the smooth operation of this event. Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable experience. Sincerely,

The Rt. Hon. Justin P. J. Trudeau, P.C., M.P. Prime Minister of Canada

A message from the Mayor of Vancouver

On behalf of the City of Vancouver and my colleagues on City Council, I want to extend my congratulations to the organizers of the 41st annual Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).

VIFF encourages understanding of the world’s cultures through the art of cinema. This year’s VIFF program will showcase a vibrant blend of international selections, which celebrates the complexity of the human condition. It is through the arts that we have the power to create a meaningful change in our world. Thank you and congratulations to the lmmakers, artists, organizers, and volunteers for another successful year of VIFF.

Mayor Kennedy Stewart

A message from the Premier of British Columbia

As Premier of the Province of British Columbia, I’m pleased to welcome everyone to the 2022 Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF).

This 11-day festival o ers a window into diverse and innovative perspectives through the compelling medium of lm. With 120 features and 100 short lms as well as a wide array of performances, talks, and other unique events on o er, there is sure to be something for everyone at VIFF. It has been a long two years for everyone, and I am greatly encouraged to see a return to important platforms for artistic expression and connection. I have no doubt everyone participating will nd this festival a wonderful opportunity for enrichment, education, and entertainment.

Artists are vital to the vibrancy of BC communities, and I would like to thank the dedicated organizers, volunteers, adjudicators, and sponsors whose e orts help to ensure that more voices and viewpoints are heard. I would also like to extend my congratulations to the lmmakers for their inclusion in this prestigious event. Enjoy the festival!

Honourable John Horgan

A message from the Executive Director and Board Chair of VIFF

Welcome to the 41st edition of the Vancouver International Film Festival!

We are delighted to share this vibrant and dynamic celebration of cinema with you, boasting exceptional lms from emerging talent and masters from around the world, including the nest Canadian and Indigenous lmmakers working today. After a few di cult years, it is an honour to welcome our community back to cinema. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to watch lms together, as they were meant to be experienced. For many, streaming lms online has been a much-needed outlet during prolonged periods of isolation. Being able to watch lms throughout provided us with a meaningful connection with the greater world, and expanded our horizons through ideas, perspectives, and catharsis. But too often it lacked the feeling of communal experience, of having witnessed something remarkable with our friends and neighbours. And, for the lmmaker themselves, nothing can replace sharing their work directly with audiences. It takes years of their lives to produce the lms we share at VIFF, and so we’re excited to host them again at the festival this year, so they can feel our appreciation and admiration rsthand. Thank you to our partners, sponsors, sta , and incredible volunteers who ensure that the festival continues to be a success, and to all our donors who have been so instrumental in helping VIFF navigate the challenging waters of the pandemic. Thank you to the Board of Directors who believe in the power and importance of cinema, and who work so hard to ensure VIFF is always moving forward. And thank you for joining us at the festival this year. See you in the cinema!

Kyle Fostner (Executive Director) • Lucille Pacey (Board Chair)

A message from the Minister of Canadian Heritage

Welcome to the 2022 Vancouver International Film Festival!

The arts have the power to transform us, expand our horizons, and help us better understand people in our communities and around the world. Our government is proud to support events like VIFF that give Canadians the opportunity to experience our arts and culture and to make discoveries that educate, enlighten, and entertain. I am delighted that this festival will once again bring lm lovers back together to enjoy some outstanding works and participate in unique activities that celebrate lm. As Minister of Canadian Heritage, I would like to thank all the organizers, volunteers, and lmmakers who helped bring this year’s event to life. I hope everyone taking part in the festival enjoys discovering these lms and celebrating voices and stories from Canada and around the world.

Honourable Pablo Rodriguez

A message from the Interim Executive Director and CEO of Tele lm Canada

We could not be more excited to come back to the festival circuit to celebrate the artistry of lm and showcase Canadian creatives around the world and at home. That is why we are proud to support the Vancouver International Film Festival!

We want to thank and congratulate the Vancouver International Film Festival for its continued support of diverse voices in lm and for fostering the return to cinemas so we can all celebrate these talents from around the world in theatres once again. And remember, keep supporting Canadian talent in theatres and online whenever you can!

Francesca Accinelli

A message from the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport

On behalf of Premier John Horgan and the Government of British Columbia, I am pleased to welcome you to the 41st Vancouver International Film Festival!

Cinema enables an artistic journey that tells our stories, creates connections, and builds bridges. The Vancouver International Film Festival is a superb opportunity to shine a bright light on all the lm industry has to o er. This event is also a wonderful showcase of diversity, creativity, and resilience. The pandemic brought so many challenges for the sector, but creators continued to share their passion and to shape our world through the art of lm. Without you, we were deprived of the opportunity to learn and be inspired; thank you for doing your part! Festivals like this are an opportunity to celebrate the people in front of and behind the camera once again. Congratulations to those who were involved in so many outstanding projects. I look forward to seeing the new stories and perspectives shown in this year’s lineup, as well as welcoming the world to our beautiful province for this festival. Special thanks to the organizers and volunteers for staging this world-class event. T’ooyaksim’ N’iisim’

Honourable Melanie Mark Hli Haykwhl Ẃii X _ sgaak

A message from the Chief Executive O cer of Creative BC

Congratulations from all of us at Creative BC on 41 dynamic editions of the Vancouver International Film Festival! VIFF is one of the world’s most prominent festivals and we are pleased to support ongoing, committed adaptations, but we are most excited to be hosted again in person. Creative BC unites and champions the success of B.C.’s creative industries. We are proud to support a local festival with such a long history of engagement, growth, and innovation. VIFF has truly anchored a culture of lm in this province, connecting the local ecosystem nationally and internationally with diverse creators and audiences since its inception in 1982. VIFF has always played a vital role in our community, highlighting vibrant storytelling, diverse voices, and emerging talent, strengthening our province’s reputation and brand as a premier destination and leader in motion picture. Our sincerest congratulations to the team and volunteers at VIFF! Thank you for bringing us back together in person once again to celebrate the best in domestic and international lm for 2022.

Prem Gill