VIFF 2018 Panorama stream offers critically acclaimed films, premieres and Focus on Italy, while M/A/D stream features acclaimed production designer Paul Austerberry

Dozens of critically acclaimed international films will screen in the Vancouver International Film Festival’s (VIFF) Panorama stream. These include Gustav Möller’s The Guilty (Audience Award, Sundance and Rotterdam); the Canadian premiere of Alexey German Jr.’s Dovlatov (Silver Bear, Berlin); Małgorzata Szumowska’s Mug (Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize, Berlin); and Olmo Omerzu’s Winter Flies (Best Director, Karlovy Vary). VIFF’s largest film programming stream–presenting films from Europe, the United States, Latin America, South and Central Asia and the Middle East–Panorama is expected to offer approximately 70 features, including at least 25 Canadian premieres, 15 North American premieres and two World premieres.

“VIFF’s Panorama stream is truly a kaleidoscope of international storytelling,” said Jacqueline Dupuis, Executive Director. “Through both established and fresh cinematic voices, Contemporary World Cinema will showcase some of the most acclaimed films from this year’s festival circuit. Meanwhile, the newly launched Vanguard series offers selections that push boundaries and shift perspectives. The festival experience is all about discoveries and our programming team have put together a line up that will awe and inspire audiences.”

Panorama’s slate includes films from veteran directors and VIFF alumni; among these features are Christian Petzold’s Transit, Jafar Panahi’s 3 Faces and Nuri Bilge Ceylan’s The Wild Pear Tree. The stream also contains work from newcomers; these include Bill Oliver’s Jonathan, Rohena Gera’s Sir, Isabella Eklöf’s Holiday and the North American premiere of A.B. Shawky’s Yomeddine.

The festival continues a long tradition with its Spotlight on France, which this year features eight films, including the North American premiere of Coincoin and the Extra-Humans from the eccentric master Bruno Dumont, and The Image Book, a challenging but sublime work from Jean-Luc Godard. Expect more unconventional work in Vanguard, a selection of the best in international art cinema.

Focus on Italy, presented by the Consulate General of Italy
This year, VIFF is pleased to announce its new Focus on Italy series; it features Alice Rohrwacher’s Happy as Lazzaro (Best Screenplay, Cannes) as well as the North American premiere of Valeria Golino’s family drama Euforia. The Italian slate also offers the Canadian premieres of Marco and Antonio Manetti’s Mafia musical Love and Bullets (Best Film, Best Supporting Actress, Best Score, Best Original Song and Best Costume Design, David di Donatello awards); Marco Tullio Giordana’s Nome di Donna; Laura Bispuri’s Daughter of Mine; and Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza’s dark tale Sicilian Ghost Story. Focus on Italy will also include Special Presentations and documentaries to be announced soon.

Films+ Creator Talk: Paul Austerberry, presented by IATSE Local 891
As part of the M/A/D stream, Academy Award-winning production designer Paul Austerberry will share his insights on the art of building story worlds. Austerberry won an Oscar, a Critics’ Choice Award and a BAFTA award for his work on Guillermo del Toro’s Best Picture-winner The Shape of Water. He has designed extensively for feature films; his credits include 12/24, Deadfall, The Three Musketeers, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Death Race, Pompeii, and Men With Brooms, and he is currently designing Andy Muschietti’s It: Chapter 2.

Launched in 2016, the Films+ program features live interdisciplinary performances, industry talks, workshops, VR and other unique experiences, all celebrating the achievements and innovations of screen-based storytelling. Each VIFF programming stream offers a Films+ program.

About VIFF | viff.org

Founded in 1982, the Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society is a not-for-profit cultural society and federally registered charitable organization that operates the internationally acclaimed Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and the year-round programming of the Vancity Theatre at the Vancouver International Film Centre. VIFF produces screenings, talks and events that act as a catalyst for the community to discover the creativity and craft of screen storytelling. For its 37th year, VIFF welcomes the world to Vancouver from September 27 – October 12, 2018 as it showcases the top international, Canadian and BC films and plays host to industry professionals from around the globe.

• Programming Announcements: Released weekly throughout August and September. See previous media releases here.
• Press Conference: September 5, 2018 at the Vancouver International Film Centre (1181 Seymour St)
• Tickets: Passes and ticket packs are available online at noon on August 23, 2018. Single ticket prices range from $13 – $22 and can be purchased online starting at noon on September 6, 2018 and in-person at the Vancity Theatre Box Office starting September 13, 2018. Visit viff.org for more information
• Volunteer Registration: Each year VIFF relies on the hard work of more than 1,000 volunteers to assist in running the festival. Volunteer registration is now open at goviff.org/volunteer.

Stay connected with VIFF for updates and announcements by following us on:

   
Discover more viff.org