Shows / VIFF Podcast
VIFF Podcast
Bringing you exclusive in-depth conversations with industry-leading filmmakers, creators and cultural luminaries, recorded live at the Vancouver International Film Festival and year round at VIFF Centre.
~ About VIFF ~
Beyond film exhibitions, VIFF strives to engage and empower communities, encourage dialogue and champion local artists. With decades of experience and an unwavering commitment to creating exceptional programs, VIFF has transformed into a highly esteemed annual festival and a…
Episodes
VIFF PodcastLeah Nelson on keeping "Tangles" Weird
Leah Nelson first came across Sarah Leavitt's "Tangles, A Story About Alzheimer's, My Mother and Me," a graphic novel, 10 years ago. Immediately resonating…
VIFF PodcastThe Quest for Love, and Acceptance in a Model Minority, with Arnold Lim
Like many cinephiles, Arnold Lim grew up watching Bruce Lee movies, immediately struck by the actor's assertiveness and confidence in each and every one of his…
VIFF PodcastJohn Hollands' "Le Tour de Canada" embraces all the Canadian cliches
In John Hollands' "Le Tour de Canada," two rival cyclists face off in a gruelling cross-Canada cycling race. Combining live action, 2D, and 3D animation, this…
VIFF PodcastJulia Hebner on the conflicting roles women are expected to play
In Julia Hebner's "Jeff," Marsha is a phone sex operator who takes a call from a man who confesses that he is a pedophile. Throughout the duration of the phone…
VIFF PodcastMonica Cheema wants you to look, and then look again, at your perception of labour and land
In the making of "To Look, and To Look Again," Director Monica Cheema captures the story of farm workers on a blueberry farm in Surrey, BC. While many…
VIFF PodcastBianca Rose Cheung on how memories can impact our lives forever
In Bianca Rose Cheung's "My Dad is an Astronaut," lead character, Cami, lives in rural Northern BC alongside her Mother. Set in a picturesque yet gritty…
VIFF PodcastKarina Ripper Embraces the Gray Area When it Comes to the Catholic Church
Karina Ripper's "There's a Devil Inside Me," begins with lead character Teresa, living out her rebellious teens with a bumbling boy in the car, smoking weed…
VIFF PodcastJereme Watt reaches new documentary heights in "Everest Dark"
Many know the visual splendour of Mount Everest, but only through pictures, stories, or tales of these treks that tempt the most ambitious of climbers. But, as…
VIFF PodcastIn 100 SUNSET, Kunsang Kyirong is inspired by 'complicated women'
Kunsang Kyirong's "100 Sunset" follows two young women residing in Parkdale, Toronto. Located in a unique apartment complex, housing a vibrant community of…
VIFF PodcastIgor Bezinović on why his anti-war film arrived at just the right time
The success of Igor Bezinović's third feature, "Fiume o Morte!," is something to marvel at. "Fiume o Morte!," is about the Croatian city of Rijeka, following…
VIFF Podcast'Not just another sad story from Africa' Timeea Ahmed wants you to know Khartoum, Sudan
In Timeea Ahmed's "Khartoum," five exiles of Sudan’s capital give voice to their experiences through reenactment, animation, and recollection. A collaborative…
VIFF PodcastSara Wylie on why capitalism is the worst
Sara Wylie got her filmmaking start in her late twenties, dipping her toe into documentary through her work as a political organizer after making anti-Stephen…
VIFF PodcastDurian and Decision-making with Solara Thanh Bình Đặng
Solara Thanh Bình Đặng's ripe follows lead character Lệ, on the cusp of a life-altering decision. At this crossroads, she must consider an arranged marriage…
VIFF PodcastNicole Bazuin on the Modern Whore
Nicole Bazuin first encountered Andrea Werhun on the set of a music video she was directing, in search of Go Go Dancers who'd be willing to participate. At…
VIFF PodcastAlison Reid wants you to put down your phone—and go on an adventure
The urge to escape the mundanities of everyday life is hard to ignore. And yet, so many of us remain tethered to our routines, our homes, our comforts. In…
VIFF PodcastBrian Daniel Johnson and Dide Su Bilgin on community and Vancouver's avoidance culture
In a city plagued by social isolation, Brian Daniel Johnson and Dide Su Bilgin found a story to tell. In their film, A Welcome Distraction, lead character…
VIFF PodcastHow film can reconnect you with your roots with Kent Donguines
Kent Donguines' journey creating Treasure of the Rice Terraces began in 2019. From idea to development, Donguines' slow and steady process was grounded with…
VIFF PodcastWhy documentaries are the door to understanding with Elöise King (The Shadow Scholars)
From travel bans to the risk of criminalization for her film's subjects, Elöise King had to persevere through many hurdles to get her documentary, The Shadow…
VIFF PodcastHow painting provides a portal with Jenn Strom (The Painted Life of E.J. Hughes)
In the 20th Century, painter E.J. Hughes quietly helped reshape the artistic landscape of British Columbia. Each canvas was a place of worship for the artist…
VIFF PodcastBrishkay Ahmed on embracing identity, and what we can learn from Afghan women
Growing up, Ahmed felt at odds with her Afghan identity. She describes herself as a rebellious child, not understanding the need for a head scarf, often…
VIFF Podcast'The Track' Director Ryan Sidhoo on the stories that haven't been told, and getting those movies made
This isn't Ryan Sidhoo's first time exploring the relationship between sports and space. Also having directed Truth North (2017) and produced Handle with Care…
VIFF Podcast'Foreigner' Director Ava Maria Safai talks the horrors of growing up, and what filmmaking teaches you about yourself
Ava Maria Safai describes Foreigner as “bubblegum horror”—a genre that layers a glossy, fun aesthetic over a dark underbelly of pain. Following an Iranian…
VIFF PodcastMayumi Yoshida on her debut feature, 'Akashi,' and the power that comes from existing in the in between
Mayumi Yoshida is THE multi-hyphenate filmmaker you need to watch. As writer, director, producer, and actor for her debut feature, Akashi, Yoshida's world…
VIFF PodcastAri's Theme" documentary filmmaker, Jeff Petry, on how to capture a legacy
Ari Kinarthy’s existence is marked by worry and vigilance around his health, as he struggles with spinal muscular atrophy. Yet he was born with the soul of an…
VIFF PodcastVIFF Shorts team Casey Wei and Jaewoo Kang talk programming for your audience
In this special edition of the VIFF Podcast, get a glimpse of what goes on behind-the-scenes when it comes to VIFF programming, and how certain shorts make it…
VIFF Podcast'I Saw Three Black Lights' filmmaker Santiago Lozano on ritual as resistance in Colombia
In Santiago Lozano's 'I Saw Three Black Lights,' a wise old shaman embarks on a final journey into the Colombian jungle to settle a spiritual debt and…
VIFF PodcastFilmmaker Sanja Zivkovic on motherhood, the broken system of adoption, and seeing a story from all points of view in 'Cat's Cry'
'Cat's Cry' filmmaker Sanja Zivkovic sits down with VIFF Festival Programmer & Program Lead, Sonja Baksa, to talk about her global career spanning all the way…
VIFF Podcast'Save My Soul' filmmaker Kam Fai Leung on loneliness and our primal desire to be loved
When a mute young man seeks to escape into the wilderness, he quickly realizes he's not suited to survive on his own. To adapt, the young man begins to embody…
VIFF PodcastDirector Devin Shears on his first feature, and the fascination with fatness in "Cherub"
Harvey is a lonely, overweight man who discovers new self-esteem when he submits a photo to Cherub, a gay magazine “For big men and their admirers.” Director…
VIFF PodcastKerr Holden wrestles with athleticism, performance, and metal in 'Judas Icarus Twists His Wrist'
In 'Judas Icarus Twists His Wrist,' Director Kerr Holden (she/her) follows BC-based wrestler, Judas Icarus, following his arduous road to recovery after an…
VIFF Podcast'Balomania' filmmaker Sissel Morell Dargis on the beauty behind Brazil's baloeiros, and getting your start in documentary filmmaking
Hot air ballooning has been illegal in São Paulo, Brazil since the 1990's. Intrigued by this underworld of guerilla artists, who risk their lives, and freedom…
VIFF Podcast'78 Days' filmmaker Emilija Gašić on docufiction and telling personal history through found footage
Filmmaker Emilija Gašić joins VIFF’s Vanguard series programmer Sonja Baksa to discuss 78 Days, a found-footage film that won the Vanguard Award at VIFF 2024…
VIFF PodcastVancouver filmmaker Ann Marie Fleming explores mortality and imagines a future without waste with 'Can I Get a Witness?'
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, program manager and senior programmer PoChu AuYeung sits down with acclaimed Canadian animator and filmmaker Ann Marie…
VIFF PodcastVeteran Documentarian Connie Field Exposes Democracy’s Fragility in 'Democracy Noir'
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, programmer Alan Franey interviews American filmmaker Connie Field about her documentary feature Democracy Noir, which…
VIFF Podcast'Uncommon Ground' filmmaker Faith Sparrow-Crawford on ancestral connections and Musqueam Storytelling
Musqueam filmmaker Faith Sparrow-Crawford joins VIFF short programmer Casey Wei to talk about Uncommon Ground, her haunting sci-fi short set in 2171. They dig…
VIFF Podcast'Curl Power' director Josephine Anderson on girlhood and the long-game of filmmaking
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Curtis Woloschuk sits down with Canadian filmmaker Josephine Anderson to talk about her latest documentary Curl Power…
VIFF Podcast'The Universe in a Grain of Sand' filmmaker Mark Levinson on art, physics, and AI as an extension of human creativity
On this episode of the VIFF podcast, programmer Alan Franey sits down with Mark Levinson to talk about his film, The Universe in a Grain of Sand. Levinson, who…
VIFF Podcast'Inedia' director Liz Cairns on intuitive writing and filmmaking
On this episode of the VIFF podcast, director Liz Cairns joins VIFF programmer Curtis Woloschuck to talk about her feature film debut, Inedia. The film, which…
VIFF PodcastLegendary Canadian filmmaker Atom Egoyan on artistic evolution and representations of trauma in 'Seven Veils'
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Year Round Programmer Tom Charity sits down with iconic Canadian filmmaker and (sometimes) opera director Atom Egoyan to…
VIFF Podcast'Preface to a History' director Devan Scott on experimental filmmaking and mental health
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Vancouver filmmaker Devan Scott speaks with VIFF Year-Round Programmer Tom Charity about his experimental feature Preface…
VIFF Podcast'Village Keeper' director Karen Chapman on telling "lived-in" stories through cinema
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Director of Programming Curtis Woloschuk speaks with filmmaker Karen Chapman about her narrative feature Village Keeper…
VIFF Podcast'7 Beats Per Minute' Director Yuqi Kang on the arts of Free Diving and Filmmaking
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Director of Programming Curtis Woloschuk interviews filmmaker Yuqi Kang about her documentary 7 Beats Per Minute, which…
VIFF PodcastJerome Yoo explores grief and belonging in his debut feature 'Mongrels'
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, feature film coordinator Natalie Murao interviews filmmaker Jerome Yoo about his debut feature film Mongrels, which…
VIFF PodcastDeborah Devyn Chaung explores dreams and desire with short film “Strawberry Shortcake”
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Short Forum programmer Casey Wei interviews filmmaker Deborah Devyn Chaung about her short film Strawberry Shortcake, a…
VIFF Podcast"Inay" director Thea Loo talks migration, mental health, and the power of community
On this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Laura Arboleda sits down with filmmaker Thea Loo, director of the documentary Inay (Mama). Thea shares the creative…
VIFF PodcastFilmmaker Mads K. Baekkevold, director of The Chef & the Daruma, on capturing renowned Vancouver chef Hidekazu Tojo’s legacy
On this episode of the VIFF Podcast, Director of Programming Curtis Woloschuck sits down with filmmaker Mads K. Baekkevold, director of The Chef & the Daruma…
VIFF PodcastUnmasking Trauma: Asher Penn on Physician, Heal Thyself and the Life of Dr. Gabor Maté
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, filmmaker Asher Penn talks about his debut feature documentary, Physician, Heal Thyself, with VIFF Year Round Programmer…
VIFF PodcastBC film producer Mike Johnston reflects on the resilience of the Vancouver film community, international co-productions, and more
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, BC-based film producer Mike Johnston talks about his his transition from directing to producing with VIFF Director of…
VIFF Podcast'In Flames' director Zarrar Kahn talks balancing real-world social issues in genre film
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, filmmaker Zarrar Kahn talks about his debut feature film, In Flames, with VIFF Director of Programming Curtis Woloschuk…
VIFF Podcast'Handle With Care: The Legend of the Notic Streetball Crew' filmmakers talk basketball and community
In this episode of the VIFF Podcast, documentary filmmakers Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux and Kirk Thomas along with legendary streetball player Joel Haywood talk with…
VIFF Podcast'With Love and a Major Organ' filmmaker Kim Albright on surrealist stories, with producer Madeleine Davis
In this episode we welcome filmmaker Kim Albright, director of With Love and a Major Organ, and producer Madeleine Davis in conversation with VIFF programmer…
VIFF Podcast'Richelieu' director Pier-Philippe Chevigny on social justice through film
In this episode we welcome Canadian filmmaker Pier-Philippe Chevigny, director of Richelieu in conversation with VIFF Director of Programming Curtis Woloschuk…
VIFF PodcastSound designer Mark Mangini on creating epic sound art for films including 'Dune' and 'Mad Max Fury Road'
In this episode we welcome Mark Mangini, sound designer of films such as Blade Runner 2049, The Fifth Element, and Gremlins in conversation with film producer…
VIFF Podcast'Seagrass' director Meredith Hama-Brown on Japanese Canadian stories
In this episode we welcome Meredith Hama-Brown, director of the feature film Seagrass, in conversation with Sonja Baksa, Programmer + Program Lead at VIFF…
VIFF Podcast‘Les Filles du Roi’ Director on Transforming a Stage Production into a Full-Blown Movie Musical
In this episode we welcome Corey Payette, director of the movie musical Les Filles du Roi, in conversation with the film’s editor Christian Díaz Durán. Adapted…
VIFF Podcast‘Rutherford Falls’ Co-Creator Sierra Teller Ornelas on breaking down Indigenous stereotypes through humour
In this episode, we’re featuring a conversation with Sierra Teller Ornelas – co-creator, showrunner and executive producer of the critically-acclaimed…
VIFF Podcast‘Mare of Easttown’ Director Craig Zobel on “humanistic” crime drama
In this episode, we’re featuring a creator talk from the 2021 Vancouver International Film Festival with Craig Zobel – the director behind the wildly popular…
VIFF Podcast‘The Green Knight’ Production Designer Jade Healy on creating the look, feel, and shape of a fantasy realm
In this episode, we revisit a conversation from the 2021 Festival with award-winning Canadian production designer Jade Healy. Jade Healy has created the look…
VIFF Podcast‘The Suicide Squad’ Editor Fred Raskin on how the story takes its final shape in the editing room
In this episode, we bring you a masterclass in editing with BAFTA-nominated editor, Fred Raskin. Fred Raskin is best known for his collaborations with Quentin…
VIFF PodcastThe legendary Linda Perry on songwriting, mentoring and her transition to composing for film and TV
In this episode, we’re joined by a Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee – artist, producer, composer and all-around powerhouse, Linda Perry. Linda Perry began her…