Previous Festivals
Vancouver International Youth Film Festival 2025
The 2025 Vancouver International Youth Film Festival took place from June 1- 7, continuing its mission to spotlight and support the next generation of filmmakers. This year’s festival featured an inspiring lineup of youth-created films, hands-on workshops, and industry panels that empowered young storytellers to share their voices. Building on past success, the festival fostered meaningful collaboration and mentorship, helping participants develop their skills and expand their creative networks.
Key Highlights:
- Opening Night (June 1)
- Day 2 (June 2):
- Photography and Cinematography Workshop with Daniel Xue.
- Local Film Screening + Q&A.
- International Feature L7 and the Cure Squad.
- Day 3 (June 3):
- International Feature Film: The Banana Garden.
- International and Local Short Film Screenings.
- VIYFF X UBCP ACTRA Panel Talk.
- Day 4 (June 4):
- International Feature Film: Smell of Burnt Milk.
- Short Films Screening.
- Local Film Screenings + Q&A.
- International Feature Film “In Their Own Time”.
- Day 5 (June 5):
- International Feature “In the Arms of the Tree”.
- Short Films Screening.
- Local Film Screenings + Q&A.
- Film Screenings + Q&A.
- Day 6 (June 6):
- Feature Film “GODMODE_Digital Murder”.
- Local Feature: Foreign Homeland.
- Closing Night (June 7)
Vancouver International Youth Film Festival 2024
The 2024 Vancouver International Youth Film Festival was held from August 11–13, offering a rich array of opportunities for emerging filmmakers. The festival celebrated the creativity of youth with screenings, workshops, and networking events designed to foster connections and provide mentorship for the next generation of storytellers.
Key Highlights:
Opening Night (August 11):
- A VIP reception at the Coquitlam Evergreen Cultural Centre.
- Screening of films produced during the VIYFF 72-hour workshop.
- Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Workshops (August 12):
- Introduction to Documentary Filmmaking by Daniel Jeffery.
- Introduction to Directing Actors by Robert Randall.
- Interactive discussions and hands-on activities at Vancouver Film School.
Panel Talk and Networking (August 13):
- Insights from industry professionals, including filmmakers and actors.
- Panelists included Sasha Rojen, Ciara Mandel, Robert Randall, and more.
- Discussions about behind-the-scenes filmmaking and industry trends.
Vancouver International Youth Film Festival 2022
The 2022 Vancouver International Youth Film Festival had its opening ceremony at VIFF Centre and a closing ceremony at the Michael J. Fox Theatre. The festival was the first joint event with the Vancouver Chinese Film Festival, one of our long time affiliate organizations.Â
Vancouver International Youth Film Festival 2019
The 2019 Vancouver International Youth Film Festival opened at the Vancouver Film School and closed at the Michael J. Fox theatre. The festival was supported by VFS, Celluloid Social Club, Crazy8, Global Director Alliance and the Vancouver Chinese Film Festival.
2018 Vancouver International Youth Film Festival
The 2019 Vancouver International Youth Film Festival opened at the Vancouver International Film Centre and closed at the Evergreen Culture Centre. The festival was supported by Celluloid Social Club, Crazy8s,the Vancouver Chinese Film Festival and the City of Coquitlam.