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.

World Premiere

Set on Vancouver Island in the 1990s, The Bryce Lee Story follows 13-year-old Bryce, a recent immigrant from China living with his uncle while his father remains behind. Making homemade action movies with his younger sister, Bryce dreams of becoming a filmmaker. But struggling to fit in and facing anti-Asian prejudice at school, he claims to be related to martial arts icon Bruce Lee. The lie captivates the Godard-obsessed leader of the school film club, propelling the kids into an ambitious martial arts production that triggers a chaotic series of events.

In his sophomore feature, Arnold Lim draws from his own upbringing in rural BC to confront the “model minority” myth with warmth, humour, and compassion. Grounded in a distinctly West Coast setting, The Bryce Lee Story balances complex questions of identity and family with an infectious love of cinema. Thoughtfully examining how identity is shaped, performed, and ultimately reclaimed, the film offers an engaging coming-of-age story about the universal pursuit of belonging.

Monday, October 5
Doors 5:30 pm | Film 6:00 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.