The 9th Annual Vancouver International Women in Film Festival (VIWFF) will be showcasing a diverse line-up of local and international productions at VIFF’s Vancity Theatre. The festival takes place March 6th to March 9th, coinciding with Women’s Day on March 8th. The selection of shorts and feature films are in all genres and lengths, and are produced by established and emerging female filmmakers from all over the world. To participate in the festival, the films must have a woman in at least three of the following roles: Writer, Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Composer, and Lead Performer. With thirty-three films, gala and industry events, workshops, visiting filmmakers, and panel discussions, VIWFF is an event you won’t want to miss.

Tickets for film screenings range from $9-11 with a Vancity Theatre membership. Membership can easily be purchased when buying tickets for the festival; membership is $12 and includes a ticket to one screening. Opening and Closing Night tickets are $15, or $17 for a ticket and membership. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or in advance atviff.org/theatre. There are a few free events, including a screening of the film The Weather Girl. Workshops and pitch sessions range from $10.50 to $131.25. Workshops require registration up to 24 hours ahead of time; you can register for them here.

Thursday, March 6th

9:30am-5:30pm Canadian Independent Film Producing: What they don’t teach you in film school with Avi Federgreen
7pm-11pm Opening Night: screening of Pretty Bitch and Evangeline, followed by a Q&A and a party.

Friday, March 7th

9:30am-12:30pm Distribution Workshop with Avi Federgreen
10am-12pm Artist Talks
1pm-2:30pm Portrayals of Violence against Women in Film and Television (Free Admission)
1:30pm-3:30pm Pitch Sessions
2:45pm-3:45pm Special demonstrations by mediAm
4pm-6pm Shorts that Shine: L’Autre Femme, Ina Litovski, I am not a Weird Person, Boneshaker, 5 Ways 2 Die, Night Shift,  B12, Stolen, Newcomers Swim, Every Friday
6:30pm-8:30pm Pink or Blue?, 88 Miles to Moscow, Noor. Followed by a Q&A moderated by Margaret Gallagher of CBC Radio.
9pm-11pm Date Night: Two Penny Road Kill, Mimi & Me, Saba, When I Saw You, Pretty Shy City, Am I Not Your Girl?, Zu  Dir? Followed by a Q&A moderated by Mackenzie Gray.

Saturday, March 8th

9:30am-7pm Web Series Lounge: Come at your leisure and browse the latest in web series created by BC women
10am-11:30am Catalyst for Change (Free Admission)
11:30am-12:10pm Selections from the WIFTI Showcase including The Weather Girlfollowed by a Q&A (Free Admission)
12pm-1pm Protocols for Writers
12:15pm-12:45pm Special demonstration by Canon 
1pm-3pm Chi preceded by a presentation by the film’s director Anne Wheeler
3:30pm-6:30pm Extraños, Des(Pecho)Trucción, and El Regreso/The Return. Followed by a panel discussion with Venezuelan filmmakers and guests.
7pm-9pm The Meeting and Finsterworld followed by a Q&A
9:30pm-11:30pm Afterparty followed by a Q&A moderated by Ellie Harvie

Sunday, March 9th

12:30pm-6pm Web Series Lounge: Come at your leisure and browse the latest in web series created by BC women
1pm-3:30pm Michelle Thrush and How A People Live. Followed by a moderated Q&A and panel discussion with special guests
4pm-6pm A Little Elbow Room and Last Woman Standing. Followed by a moderated Q&A
6:30pm-10:30pm Closing Night: Legacy award film screenings and the presentation of the Legacy and Festival Awards followed by a reception