The Vancouver International Film Festival returns for their 45th year this October 1-11 for another curated season celebrating the best in independent, Canadian, documentary, and international shorts and features.

How does a filmmaker get the greenlight for their dream documentary project amid an ongoing industry contraction? If you’re the idiosyncratic mastermind behind HBO’s How To with John Wilson, you attend a workshop on pitching saccharine Hallmark movies then apply all the same best practices to your own film: an in-depth investigation of concrete (the most ubiquitous of building materials).

With his first feature, documentarian and humourist Wilson continues his methodology of starting with a seemingly straighforward idea and using it as a jumping off point for frequently absurd and endlessly entertaining detours, asides, and digressions. Maintaining the format of his series, History of Concrete sees Wilson adroitly assembling low-resolution verité vignettes into collages that complement his deadpan philosophising. Guiding it all is Wilson’s infectious sense of inquiry and laudable desire to retain his artistic freedom in defiance of the powers-that-be.

Friday, October 2
Doors: 5:30 pm | Film: 6:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

Wednesday, October 7
Doors 8:30 pm | Film 9:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

For detailed Vancouver International Film Fest information, including current showtimes and advance ticketing, please re-direct to www.viff.org.

All ticketing for VIFF events are managed by VIFF. If you have any questions about ticketing and availability, please connect with them directly. Please do not contact the Rio Theatre for ticketing info or assistance.

Unless otherwise noted, all VIFF screenings and events at the Rio Theatre are 19+ only. Please have valid ID with you upon arrival.

VIFF screenings at the Rio Theatre tend to be busy! All seating is General Admission. We encourage all patrons to purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry, and to please come early (20-30 mins at least) to ensure time to locate great seats and purchase drinks and snacks at concession. The Rio Theate has a small lobby, and coming early helps prevent long lines and bottle-necking.

Please note: Rio Theatre Groupons and passes are n/a for any VIFF events.

VIFF thanks the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations for their continued stewardship of the unceded and occupied land on which our work takes place. As an organization founded and predominantly directed by settlers and immigrants, we understand our responsibility to seek out and build authentic relationships with Indigenous communities, and to allow this ongoing dialogue to influence our practices. As part of this process, we remain committed to collaborating with and supporting Indigenous artists, filmmakers, curators, and audiences.