The Vancouver Asian Film Festival unveils exciting lineup featuring 131 films, 35 in-person and virtual programs, and over 20 world premieres
27th Vancouver Asian Film Festival | November 2 – 12, 2023
For immediate release
October 16, 2023
VANCOUVER, BC—The 27th Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is the largest film screening ever in the festival’s history, with 131 films, 35 in-person and virtual programs, and over 20 world premieres. On November 2 -12, 2023, VAFF takes audiences on a cinematic journey that explores the theme, Creating Opportunities.
“Our theme this year reflects the festival’s commitment to supporting emerging and established filmmakers from Asian-Canadian and Asian diaspora communities by providing them with access to resources, mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities,” said Susan Hanson, VAFF festival director. “2023 marks our festival’s largest number of screenings, and we’re excited to offer 8 industry events for our filmmaking community, which includes Westcoast Triple Threat Creators Fireside Chat, Journey of TV Series / Web Series Case Study, and a series of workshops from script development, pitching, and audience profiling to licensing. It all takes place on November 4, 5 and 11, said by Regina Leung, VAFF Industry Program Director
This year’s Festival Ambassador is Grace Park, American-born Canadian actress and model known for her work in A Million Little Things, Hawaii Five-O, The Border, and Battlestar Galactica, among many others.
“For 27 years VAFF has been providing an important stage for Asian filmmakers to shine, showcasing their deeply personal stories to audiences,” said Grace Park. “Moviegoers from different walks of life are able to experience these offerings of culturally rich stories and perspectives from around the world that we hope will positively impact them for years to come. This is one of the reasons why I am so proud to be this year’s Festival Ambassador, helping amplify VAFF27 right here in the city I know and love, my hometown of Vancouver.”
Building on the tremendous success of last year’s event, VAFF is proud to present an outstanding lineup of films that reflect the festival’s commitment to showcasing the diversity and talent within the Asian-Canadian and Asian filmmaking community.
Full Program Schedule | https://2023festival.vaff.org/schedule/
- In-Theatre Screenings:
-
- International Village Cineplex: November 2 – 5, 2023
- Scotiabank Theatre: November 11, 2023 (Closing Night FIlm)
- Virtual Screenings:
-
- November 6 – 12, 2023
“This year we also have a robust virtual program, featuring 52 short films from Canadian and International filmmakers, as well as one Japanese feature film, The Rest of Our Lives directed by Shinji KUMA,” said Hanson. “Our Virtual program is available for Canadian audiences from November 6 to 12 so that audiences outside of Vancouver can still experience the festival.”
With a mission to promote and celebrate the rich and dynamic world of Asian-Canadian and Asian cinema, VAFF is set to continue its tradition of bringing compelling stories and exceptional talent to the forefront. The festival’s 2023 lineup is a testament to the countless opportunities for Asian voices and stories to shine on the big screen.
Film Highlights
Opening Spotlight Film | November 2 at 6:00 pm
- Rain Town dirs. Tunku Mona Riza and Binti Tunku Khalid (Malaysia)
Choo, the head of the household, unrelentingly wields control over his three grown children: Isaac, Alex and Ruby, disregarding their dreams and happiness. When Aileen, Choo’s wife, is struck by a tragedy, the family drifts further apart, embroiling them in a heartbreaking conflict.
E8 Spotlight Film | November 3 at 4:30 pm
- Thrown Into Canada dir. Aleem Karmali (India)
After Idi Amin’s expulsion of South Asians from Uganda in 1972, Canada opened its doors to its first major non-European refugee movement. Their story of struggle and hope became part of Canada’s conversations about refugees and diversity.
Centerpiece Spotlight Film | November 4 at 6:30 pm
- A Great Divide dir. Jean Shim (US)
After experiencing devastating loss, the Lee family leave the Bay Area for a fresh start in the rural expanses of Wyoming, only to encounter hostility and xenophobia in their new community. How they confront these issues will break them – or make them stronger. Starring Ken Jeong, Jae Suh Park, and Emerson Min.
Closing Spotlight Film | November 11 at 8:50 pm
- GONTA: The Story of the Two-Named Dog in the Fukushima Disaster dir. Akio NISHIZAWA (Japan)
On March 11, 2011, a major earthquake hit. Hoping they could return soon, the family evacuated, leaving their pet, Gonta, behind. However, a nuclear plant accident prevented their return. Volunteers saved Gonta, but his remaining time was limited.
Quick Links
- VAFF27 Festival Creative and VAFF27 Festival Trailer
- For Tickets or Festival Information
- VAFF27’s film screening Schedule
- Opening Gala: 9:00 pm on Thursday, November 2 at D6 Parq Vancouver, Buy Opening Gala Tickets
- 3rd Annual OVAsian Awards Ceremony and VAFF Closing Night: 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 12 at BMO Theatre, 162 W. 1st Ave. Buy OVAsian Awards Tickets
- VAFF Media Page and Media Accreditation
About the Vancouver Asian Film Festival
https://archives.vaff.org | @vaffvancouver
The Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is the longest running Asian film festival in Canada. It was founded in 1995 and debuted in September 1997. Since then, tens of thousands of film lovers have experienced a diverse selection of North American-Asian and international films. Each year VAFF attracts close to 5,000 audience members over its four-day festival and year-round events. It also reaches many more through word of mouth, pre-festival events, and traditional and social media throughout the year. VAFF is mostly organized and produced by a group of dedicated volunteers, and is made possible by generous financial support from corporate sponsors, public funders and private donors.
Media Contact:
Media Team
Vancouver Asian Film Festival
media@vaff.org