The highly anticipated 4th Annual Vancouver International Black Film Festival (VIBFF) is set to make a bold return this December! From December 13 to 17, 2024, the festival celebrates Black voices with innovative, diverse, and bold programming. This hybrid festival combines the magic of in-person events at VIFF Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre with the accessibility of online screenings, making it easier than ever for audiences to connect with stories from across the globe.
With the theme of amplifying Black voices, this year’s lineup promises to be a true celebration of diverse Black cinema.
Opening Night: A Must-See Event
The festival kicks off with an electrifying opening night on Friday, December 13, featuring Matthew Leutwyler’s Fight Like a Girl. This powerful, true-story-based film chronicles the journey of a young Congolese woman who escapes captivity and finds resilience and community in an all-women boxing club. The red-carpet event begins at 7 PM PST, and this opening film is available exclusively for in-person audiences.
“We’re honoured to return with amazing Black films which aren’t always brought to the screen in Vancouver. We work hard to promote diversity in front of and behind the camera, from coast to coast, to celebrate the differences that make us unique and the shared values that bring us together. We look forward to welcoming our growing audience for this 4th annual Vancouver International Black Film Festival which promises to educate, inspire and entertain,” said Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary and Vancouver Black Film Festivals.
An Unforgettable Lineup of Films and Events
This year, #VIBFF24 offers a thoughtfully curated program of 35 films, engaging panels, and dynamic workshops, showcasing the immense talent of Black creators from around the world.
Highlights Include:
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Being Black in Canada Short Film Series: A spotlight on emerging filmmakers aged 18–30, supported by the Fabienne Colas Foundation.
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VIBFF Black Market: dedicated to the cinema industry and to raising awareness of today’s social climate with powerful & free panel discussions.
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Workshops and Panels (December 14, VIFF Studio Theatre): Explore topics like the impact of storyboarding, lighting and styling for BIPOC talent, and industry Q&As.
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Online Q&A (December 15): Live discussions on the art of film programming.