The 3rd Edition of the Vancouver International Black Film Festival Returns, December 1-4, 2023
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VIBFF 2023 amplifies Black Voices with Innovative, Diverse and Bold programming. A true celebration of Diverse Black Cinema!
After two successful editions, The Vancouver Intl Black Film Festival is back once again with a hybrid version to amplify the voices of Afro-descendants in British Columbia and to foster accessibility across the country. The third annual Vancouver Intl Black Film Festival #VIBFF23, created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and co-presented by Global BC, is thrilled to announce its official hybrid program and events lineup, running December 1 – 4, 2023. The In-Person screenings and events will take place at the VIFF Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre.
Through films and various panels, this year’s festival is aimed at the public from all communities as it highlights the talent of creators from diverse backgrounds and makes room for them to reflect on the issues they face.
The Vancouver Intl Black Film Festival (VIBFF), created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, is a unique festival coupled with entertainment and empowerment. It not only shines a light on diversity, but through film screenings and various discussion panels, this festival is an impactful movement that gives a voice and a platform to marginalized artists.
“It’s a true privilege to be able to showcase exceptional work and authentic Black stories that do not always make it to the silver screen in Vancouver, the Hollywood of the North. We invite everyone to join us for this exciting and impactful 3rd annual Vancouver Intl Black Film Festival! Come support and help spread diversity off and on camera, from coast to coast, to celebrate the differences that make us unique and the shared values that bring us together.” – Stated Fabienne Colas, President and Founder of the Black Film Festivals in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver.
Global BC is excited to showcase its support to the Vancouver International Black Film Festival. It's important to empower unique voices and promote Black talent in the international film and television industry. – Bhupinder S. Hundal, Global BC News Director & Station Manager
The opening night is a red-carpet event happening on Friday, December 1st at 7pm PST and opens with Ellie Foumbi’s Our Father the Devil at the Vancity Theatre. An ethical and psychological thriller about an African refugee working as the head chef at a retirement home in small-town France whose quiet existence is upended by the arrival of Father Patrick (Souleymane Sy Savané), a charismatic priest with whom she is convinced she shares a heavy past in her homeland. Marie must now confirm his identity and decide if settling an old score is worth sacrificing the new life she has built.
On Friday, Dec. 1st, at 9 pm, all films will be accessible online.
This third edition highlights the Fabienne Colas Foundation’s award-winning BEING BLACK IN CANADA short film series, the VIBFF Black Market, where film & television industry professionals will share their thoughts and real-world experiences on today’s most critical filmmaking issues as well as special in-person screenings of White Nanny, Black Child, Black Santa, Black child, love taps and Dancing-In-A-Yard.
Special events:
Fabienne Colas Foundation’s “Being Black in Canada”
Dec. 2nd, 5 – 11 pm, Vancity theater
Presented by NETFLIX, in collaboration with the National Bank, and supported by Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council for the Arts and various partners.
Canadian short films from the 35 filmmakers of the 2022 cohort, will be presented at #VIBFF23. The FCF’s Being Black in Canada supported 35 Black Canadian Filmmakers, 18 to 30 years old, in Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Ottawa, Calgary, and Vancouver in the creation of their first documentary short films (8 to 10 minutes). The filmmakers received professional coaching for each stage of the audiovisual production process and then made a short documentary film under the tutelage of industry professionals. A unique project that ensures inspiring emerging artists from culturally diverse backgrounds.
The VIBFF Black Market
Dec. 2nd, VIFF Studio Theatre & Free on Facebook
The VIBFF Black Market space is dedicated to the cinema industry and to raising awareness of today’s social climate with powerful & FREE panel discussions.
In-Person Discussions
Dec. 2nd, 11 am – 4 pm, VIFF Center Studio Theatre
· Mapping the provincial and federal grants throughout the year
· Welcome to Lark Productions
· Welcome to Wildbrain Entertainment
· Breaking barriers and building bridges: accessing the Vancouver Entertainment industry
Online Discussions
Dec. 2nd, 11 am – 2 pm, live on the Festival’s Facebook Page
· Visual Harmonies: unravelling the craft of music video creation
· Career path: the vital role of the Assistant Director
The #VIBFF23 All Access Online Pass gives access to the entire online film programming and can be purchased on the Festival’s website for $45 (+ tx/fees). All Access In-person Pass gives access to the entire in-person programming and can be purchased on the Festival’s website for $39 (+ tx/fees) in-person, single tickets for films are available for $12, and $20 for the Opening Night film. Both can be purchased on the Festival’s website.
