The third edition of the Vancouver International Black Film Festival (VIBFF) is back once again December 1st-4th. Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and co-presented by Global BC, VIBFF shines a light on diversity and aims to amplify the voices of Afro-descendants in British Columbia as well as foster accessibility across the country. The third annual Festival has announced its official hybrid program and events lineup, with In-Person screenings and events taking place at the VIFF Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre.
VIBFF’s exciting and diverse programming is presented in a hybrid model again this year, with continued Online programming for accessibility across Canada and the world. Through films and various panels, this year’s festival 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.
“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 in Vancouver, the Hollywood of the North. We invite everyone to join us for this exciting and impactful 3rd annual Vancouver Intl Black Film Festival! Come support and help spread diversity off and on camera, from coast to coast, 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.
Opening night, Friday, December 1st, a red-carpet event takes place at 7pm with a screening of Ellie Foumbi’s OUR FATHER THE DEVIL at the Vancity Theatre. An ethical and psychological thriller about an African refugee working as the head chef at a retirement home in small-town France whose quiet existence is upended by the arrival of Father Patrick (Souleymane Sy Savané), a charismatic priest with whom she is convinced she shares a heavy past in her homeland. Marie must now confirm his identity and decide if settling an old score is worth sacrificing the new life she has built.
All films will also be available at 9pm on Friday, December 1st, 2023.
The 2023 edition 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 experiences on today’s most critical filmmaking issues as well as special in-person screenings of White Nanny, Black Child, Black Santa, Black child, love taps and Dancing-In-A-Yard.
All Access Online and In-Person Passes and Individual Screening Tickets for 2023 Vancouver International Black Film Festival are available online at VancouverBlackFilmFest.com