Vancouver International Film Festival 2026 Opens Media Accreditation Ahead of 45th Edition
The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) is preparing for its 45th edition, and media accreditation is now open for journalists, critics, photographers, and media professionals covering the 2026 festival.
Running from October 1 to October 11, 2026, VIFF 2026 will bring filmmakers, audiences, and industry professionals together across Vancouver. The festival will screen approximately 160 feature films and 100 short films at venues throughout the city.
Media Applications Open for VIFF 2026 Coverage
Media professionals who plan to cover VIFF 2026 can submit accreditation applications through viff.org.
Applicants must actively cover the festival and provide details about their planned coverage. After approval, accredited media members will receive official festival guest status and must complete their proposed coverage plans.
Applications close on:
- Monday, August 24, 2026
VIFF will share accreditation decisions by email on or before:
- Wednesday, August 26, 2026
A 45th Edition Focused on Film, Conversations, and Industry Programs
For its 45th edition, VIFF will present films and programs from Canadian and international filmmakers.
The lineup will include Canadian productions, international cinema, documentaries, genre films, short film programs, talks, and live performances. In addition, VIFF will continue developing programs that connect audiences with filmmakers and support the local screen community.
VIFF Live, VIFF Talks, and the Institute for the Moving Image Return
Beyond film screenings, VIFF will continue expanding its year-round cinema programming.
VIFF Live will connect film screenings with live performances, creating additional ways for audiences to engage with storytelling.
Meanwhile, VIFF Talks will give audiences opportunities to hear from filmmakers and industry professionals about their creative process.
The Institute for the Moving Image will also support filmmakers, composers, producers, and other screen professionals through artist development programs, networking opportunities, and industry events.
VIFF 2026 Launch Event Announced
Before the festival begins, VIFF will host its official media launch event:
- Date: Wednesday, August 26, 2026
- Time: 10:00 AM PDT
- Location: VIFF Centre
Additional information about the launch event will follow closer to the date.
About Vancouver International Film Festival
Founded in 1982, the Vancouver International Film Festival operates through the Greater Vancouver International Film Festival Society, a not-for-profit cultural society and federally registered charitable organization.
In addition to the annual festival, VIFF runs year-round programming at the VIFF Centre. These programs include screenings, talks, conferences, and industry events.
Through its work, VIFF supports filmmakers, encourages conversations about cinema, and provides platforms for Canadian and international storytellers.
VIFF takes place on the traditional and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔɬ/Selil-Waututh Nations.
