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.

Transplanted from Hong Kong to Vancouver on a temporary visa, Yin Tse (Isabella Wei, Bridgerton), a restless trophy wife, rises above her absentee husband’s infidelity by rekindling her passion for dancing. A chance encounter brings Yin under the wing of dance studio owner Penny (Helen Dang), who helps her train for an audition at an elite dance program. But when Yin’s wealthy husband (Hugh Tran) returns from Hong Kong, she is forced to choose between material comfort and the freedom to be herself.

Manifesting the rhythm and charm of Vancouver’s city streets, this earnest drama from acclaimed writer-director Mina Shum (Meditation Park, VIFF 2017) brings a zesty hip-hop flavour to her signature themes of self-discovery, personal liberation, and female solidarity in the Asian diaspora. Luminaries Ming-Na Wen (Mulan) and Tzi Ma (The Farewell) provide gravitas and comic relief, while the film’s charismatic cast of dancers delight us with their dazzling choreography. A tribute to the joys of self-expression through movement, Whatcha Want will have your heart doing backflips.

Sunday, October 11
Doors: 3:00 pm | Film: 3:30 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.