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.

From his groundbreaking work as co-founder and frontman of DEVO to a remarkable career composing for film, television, animation, and games, Mark Mothersbaugh has spent decades creating music that is unmistakably his own. Join Mothersbaugh for an intimate conversation with award-winning songwriter, composer, and former studio executive Robert Kraft, exploring the creative journey that took him from the stages of the late 1970s new wave movement to collaborations with some of the most celebrated filmmakers of his generation.

The conversation will dive into Mothersbaugh’s long-standing creative partnership with Wes Anderson, beginning with Bottle Rocket and continuing through films including Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. It will also explore his approach to creating musical worlds for major studio productions such as The LEGO Movie, Marvel’s Thor: Ragnarok, A Minecraft Movie, and Hoppers, alongside stories and insights from a career spanning more than 150 film, television, game, and commercial projects.

Together, Mothersbaugh and Kraft will unpack the relationship between composer and filmmaker, the challenge of finding a film’s musical identity, and the instincts and experimentation that have defined Mothersbaugh’s work across genres and generations. For film lovers, music fans, composers, and anyone fascinated by the creative process, this special VIFF Talk offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from an artist whose music has helped shape some of the most memorable moments on screen.

Want more Mothersbaugh? Mark will be joining us at the Vancouver Playhouse on Oct 8 for VIFF Live: An Evening with Mark Mothersbaugh as he performs an exclusive concert alongside an 11-piece ensemble and special guest artists.

Book your VIFF Talk: Stories Behind the Music tickets and get $5 off your ticket to the VIFF Live by selecting the available add-on.

Wednesday, October 7
Doors 5:45 pm | Film 6:15 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.