The 2nd Annual Vancouver International Black Film Festival (VIBFF) returns next weekend, December 16-20. Following a successful, inaugural virtual-festival, VIBFF is back with a hybrid version (in-person and online) to amplify the voices of Afro-descendants in British Columbia with innovative, diverse and bold programming.
Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, the second annual VIBFF is co-presented by Canada Media Fund and Global BC. The Festival’s exciting and diverse programming is moving to a hybrid model this year with its first In-Person offerings taking place at the VIFF Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre. Continuing with Online programming for accessibility across Canada and the world. Through films and various panels, this hybrid second edition is aimed at the public from all communities as it highlights the talent of creators from diverse backgrounds and makes room for them to reflect on the issues they face.
VIBFF is a unique festival, coupled with entertainment and empowerment, it shines a light on diversity, as well, through film screenings and various discussion panels, the festival is an impactful movement that gives a voice and a platform to marginalized artists.
“What a thrill to be back in the Hollywood of the North with the 2nd annual Vancouver Intl Black Film Festival! It’s a true privilege to be able to showcase exceptional work and authentic Black stories that do not always make it to the silver screen. We invite everyone to join us in spreading diversity off and on camera from coast to coast in order to celebrate the differences that make us unique and the shared values that bring us together.” – Stated Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Black Film Festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver. “At the Fabienne Colas Foundation, we’re proud to continue to bring our unparalleled expertise, our strong eco-system and network, and our savoir-faire along with our 18 years of experience to Vancouver, a beautiful city that is waiting to implement inclusion, diversity and change in the film industry.”
The Festival begins, Friday December 16th at 7pm with a red carpet opening night presentation of Jennifer Njeri Gatero’s NAIROBBY at the Vancity Theatre. A suspenseful film about friendship and loyalty as six university students who have just pulled off a daring heist are put to the test. At 9pm PST, all films will be accessible online.
Closing the Festival, November 20th, Nathan Rice’s THE ROAD LESS CYCLED, will be available online throughout the Festival. In the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal midlands of South Africa, a young aspiring cyclist desperate to make something of himself steals his soon-to-be stepfather’s bicycle and embarks on a 300km journey to what could be a career-making bicycle race.
Additional programming for the second edition of VIBFF highlights the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s award-winning BEING BLACK IN CANADA short film series; the VIBFF Black Market, where film & television industry professionals will share their thoughts and real-world experience on today’s most critical filmmaking issues; as well as special in-person screenings of: AMERICAN GIRL, COLOR BLIND and NOBODY WAS HERE.
The VIBFF All Access Pass gives access to the entire online programming and can be purchased on the Festival’s website for $45 + tax/fees. Single tickets for in-person film screenings are available for $12 and $20 for the Opening Night film. Both can be purchased on the Festival’s website.
“As part of our mandate to enable more voices and bring more visibility to underrepresented creators, the Canada Media Fund is proud to support the second annual Vancouver International Black Film Festival,” said Tamara Dawit, VP of Growth & Inclusion, CMF. “We are excited to work alongside the Fabienne Colas Foundation as they continue their groundbreaking work to amplify Black voices, stories, and perspectives and empower Black creators.”
“We are thrilled to once again support the Vancouver International Black Film Festival after a successful inaugural event a year ago. It’s important to amplify voices and stories that have traditionally had limited space and attention.” – Bhupinder S. Hundal, Global BC News Director & Station Manager
Visit vancouverblackfilmfest.com for the festival’s full line up of in-person and online programming and to purchase passes and single tickets. Follow #VIBFF22 on social media to follow the festival buzz and see what others are watching and saying about the 2nd annual Vancouver International Black Film Festival