POV35 Film Festival – The 35th Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival

POV35 Film Festival – The 35th Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival

Join us as we celebrate the works of the next generation of filmmakers at the 35th Annual Persistence of Vision (POV) Film Festival, happening September 21 – 22. Proudly presented by the UBC Film Production Program students and co-presented by Peliplat.

Over two nights at the iconic Rio Theatre, the 35th Annual POV Film Festival will showcase bold new perspectives through two curated programs, presented across three screening slots:



SCREENING 1Retina Programme – September 21, Matinee Screening (Non-Competition)

3:30PM Open doors – Please arrive on time
4:30PM – 6:00PM Screening

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We are opening the festival with films that challenge us in unique ways — experimenting with format, narrative, and theme. Created by UBC students working beyond the traditional “film school” framework, we showcase emerging voices who are carving their own paths as bold, independent filmmakers.

Retina Programme features:

  • A STILL LIFE (directed by Andrew Lee)
  • ALBERTA GOTHIC (directed by Leif Bergsma)
  • CHERRY (directed by Anton Hing)
  • GRAVE IN THE CLOUDS (directed by Elijah Marche)
  • HIRAETH (directed by Eridanus Redenbach)
  • JAZEERA (directed by Khazina Qureshi)
  • ORVAL (directed by Konstantin Belenko)
  • OTEHIMIN (directed by Liara Standingcloud) 


SCREENING 2 – Iris Programme A – September 21, Evening Screening (Competition)

6:30PM Open doors – Please arrive on time
7:30PM – 11:30PM Programme Proper

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The Iris Programme is a series of short films created by 3rd and 4th year students of the UBC Film Production Program. This collection celebrates deeply personal stories carried from local to global perspectives, brought together at UBC. Like the iris — shaped by genetics and environment, and found in endless shades of black, brown, green, blue, and hazel, each film reflects a unique way of seeing, interpreting, and telling stories. The Iris Programme honors these singular viewpoints and, through each filmmaker’s lens, invites you to experience the worlds they come from and their persistence of vision.

Iris Programme features:

  • AFTER LIFE, AFTER DEATH (directed by Melrose Yan)
  • AMOR ETERNO (directed by Joshua Brad-lee Garrido)
  • BREAK (directed by Thomas Morrow)
  • DRINKING LIQUORICE AT NIGHT (directed by Hana Huggins)
  • DUSTHEADS (directed by Ruth Tesfahun)
  • E FOR EFFORT, NEVER EXCELLENCE (directed by Sarah Shahab)
  • FINE, ART (directed by KR Gonzales)
  • FRIENDLY VISITOR (directed by Aryan Kurungode)
  • SINKING (directed by Annie Liu)
  • THE BALLAD OF A NATIVE MAN (directed by Penny J. Gullion)
  • UNSPOKEN (directed by Win He)
  • WINTER TAMARIND (directed by Anna Sreekullkorn)


SCREENING 3  – Iris Programme B + Awards Night – September 22, Evening Screening (Competition)

6:30PM Open doors – Please arrive on time
7:30PM – 11:30PM Programme Proper

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Screening 3 is a continuation of the Iris Programme, a series of short films created by 3rd and 4th year students of the UBC Film Production Program. 


Pricing:

OPTION 1: Early Bird 2-Night Festival Pass (Limited Quantity – for first 50 tickets!)
Enjoy access to all programs and the Awards Ceremony. Rio’s Orchestra Section is allotted for Festival Pass holders
– $31.50 + s/c

SOLD OUT!

OPTION 2: Regular 2-Night Festival Pass
Enjoy access to all programs and the Awards Ceremony. Rio’s Orchestra Section is allotted for Festival Pass holders
– $36.75 + s/c

Reserve HERE

OPTION 3: Single Screening Ticket
Enjoy access to one screening of your choice. Rio’s Balcony Section is allotted for Single Ticket holders.

Select on the listing:
Retina Programme (Single) HERE
Iris Programme A (Single) HERE
Iris Programme B + Awards Night (Single) HERE
– $15.75 + s/c


*Must be 19+ w/ID for entry and bar service.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes are not accepted for this event.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability). Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime.
*Please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.

Sun Sep 21 4:30 pm – 4:30 pm

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Mon Sep 22 7:30 pm – 7:30 pm

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About The Rio

Voted the #1 Independent Theatre in Vancouver, the Rio Theatre is a multimedia venue featuring arthouse, mainstream and cult-classic cinemas as well as live entertainment. Built in 1938, the Rio has been fully restored with a state of the art digital projector, surround sound, a huge stage and 420 luxurious seats.

1660 East Broadway, Vancouver, BC

Phone: 604.879.3456

Info Line: 604.878.3456

Email: [email protected]

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