Arts and Culture

Reason to Love Vancouver #10: Because We Have a Film Fest for Everyone

Where can you catch indie and international films? At any of Vancouver's myriad film festivals.

By Stacey McLachlan /

Vancouver is a cinephile’s paradise, and not just because dozens of movies are filmed here each year. The sheer number of film festivals that run through town means that you pretty much never have to settle for a screening of Smurfs 3 at Tinseltown—indie cinema constantly awaits at a theatre near you.—S.M.

Jan: Vancouver International  Mountain Film Festival
Get an adrenaline rush without leaving the theatre.

Spring: Vancouver Jewish Film Festival
The longest-running Jewish film festival in Canada.

May: Doxa Documentary Film  Festival
It’s good to get a dose of reality every once in a while.

June: Run N Gun
Filmmakers have 48 hours to put these shorts together.

June: Vancouver Short Film Festival
Movies but, you know, not very long.

Sept: Vancouver Queer Film Festival
2SLGBTQIA+ film in the spotlight.

Sept: Vancouver Latin American  Film Festival
Latin-Canadian and Indigenous filmmaking are part of the celebration, too.

Oct: Vancouver International Film Festival
The big show!

Nov: Vancouver Asian Film Festival
The diversity and depth of Asian culture and identity, on the big screen.

Nov: European Union Film Festival
The Cinematheque showcases the best of contemporary European filmmaking.

Dec: Vancouver International Black Film Festival
In 2025, it’s back for its fifth year of amplifying Black filmmakers.

Find more Reasons to Love Vancouver here.