The 4th Vancouver International Black Film Festival (VIBFF) returns for another edition amplifying Black voices in-person and online, December 13 to 17.
Founded by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and co-presented by Global BC, VIBFF welcomes a line-up of features 35 films, engaging panels, workshops, and events with in-person screenings and events will take place at the VIFF Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre. Designed to connect with audiences from all communities VIBFF celebrates the talent of creators from diverse backgrounds and provides a space for them to share their stories while reflecting on the challenges they face.
“We’re honoured to return with amazing Black films which aren’t always brought to the screen in Vancouver. We work hard to promote diversity in front of and behind the camera, from coast to coast, to celebrate the differences that make us unique and the shared values that bring us together. We look forward to welcoming our growing audience for this 4th annual Vancouver International Black Film Festival which promises to educate, inspire and entertain”. – said Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver Black Film Festivals.
December 13 Opening Nightat 7pm at Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street
VIBFF opening night promises to be a star-studded red-carpet event featuring Matthew Leutwyler’s powerful film, FIGHT LIKE A GIRL(in-person only) based on a true story – After escaping captivity in an illegal mineral mine, a young Congolese woman rebuilds her life by joining a renowned all-women boxing club in the border city of Goma, where she discovers resilience, community, and the strength to reclaim her future.
Also on December 13, at 9pm all festival films will be accessible online.
Other highlights of the Festival include:
December 14 The Fabienne Colas Foundation: Being Black in Canada short film series at Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street : 1pm (Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver cohorts) & 3:30pm (Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax cohorts)
The Foundation’s series supports 30 Black Canadian Filmmakers, 18 to 30 years old, in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver in the creation of their first documentary short films (8 to 10 minutes). The filmmakers received professional coaching for each stage of the audiovisual production process and then made a short documentary film under the tutelage of industry professionals. A unique project that ensures inspiring emerging artists from culturally diverse backgrounds.
This year’s line-up consists of remarkable films highlighting important topics such as women’s issues /empowerment, sports, murder/mystery, social issues, politics/resistance, migration/displacement, and family
December 14 THE VIBFF Black Market from 11am – 4pm in-person at VIFF Studio Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street| Stream online free on Facebook
The VIBFF Black Market presented by Festwave Institute offers space dedicated to the cinema industry and to raising awareness of today’s social climate with powerful & FREE in-person panel discussions.
In-Person Discussions at the VIFF Center Studio Theatre – 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
- 11AM – (WORKSHOP) VISUALIZING SUCCESS: The Impact of Storyboards on Production Teams
- 12:30 PM – (PANEL) BEYOND THE LENS: Addressing Lighting and Styling Challenges for BIPOC Talent
- 2 PM – SPOTLIGHT STORIES: FILM INDUSTRY Q&A SERIES
Online Discussion: December 15 live on the Festival’s Facebook Page (see Festival’s website for details)
- 3PM – (Q&A) CURATING CINEMATIC EXPERIENCES: The Film Programmer’s Role in Festival Selections
The 4th Vancouver International Black Film Festival returns December 13 to 17, 2024. All Access Online Pass and All Access In-person Pass plus single tickets for films are available now online at vancouverblackfilmfest.com