In Vancouver, see the year’s most talked-about films early.
Vancouver International Film Festival 2026
The 45th Vancouver International Film Festival screens at the VIFF Centre and cinemas across the city from 1 to 11 October. This year’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner, Cristian Mungiu’s Fjord, Tony Gilroy’s Behemoth! and Clio Barnard’s I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning all have their Canadian premieres here, and Martin McDonagh’s Wild Nine Horses closes the festival. Beyond the films, VIFF Live has two nights worth keeping free: MUTEK’s electronic audiovisual night on 2 October, and the composer Mark Mothersbaugh playing his own film scores on 8 October.
Official VIFF 2026 promotional artwork; copyright remains with its rights holders, with no open licence asserted. · Report image rights
GOWOAH / Vancouver, BC A REASON TO GO
VIFF Centre and cinemas and theatres across Vancouver2026.10.01 — 2026.10.11Film festivalsTicket required
FIND YOUR REASON
What draws you to this experience?
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This year’s most talked-about films, early
This year’s Palme d’Or winner Fjord and Behemoth!, from Tony Gilroy (director of Michael Clayton and creator of Andor), both have their Canadian premieres at VIFF.
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The programme also has Clio Barnard’s I See Buildings Fall Like Lightning, Alain Gomis’ Dao and more, and the closing film is Wild Nine Horses from Martin McDonagh, director of Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. While others wait for release, you are already in the cinema.
Film festivals
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MUTEK: late-night electronic music and live visuals
On the night of 2 October, Dopplereffekt, Honeydrip and MIIIA play SFU’s experimental theatre, with sound and projections changing together.
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MIIIA premieres The Emergence with the visual artist MELT: in the late-night theatre, every shift in sound reshapes the image.
Film festivals
03
Film scores you know, played by their composer
On 8 October, the DEVO founder Mark Mothersbaugh and an 11-piece band play his film scores at the Vancouver Playhouse.
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Confirmed music comes from The Royal Tenenbaums, Rushmore, Thor: Ragnarok and The LEGO Movie. In the films, dialogue often covers this music; tonight it is the star.
Art-film lovers who want this year’s talked-about films before release
Anyone who cares about film scores, electronic music and audiovisual shows
Visitors with a night or two in Vancouver looking for something special
Before you decide
Films and VIFF Live are ticketed separately; film tickets and packages do not include Live.
The opening film, The Debut, is currently by invitation and Platinum Pass only; public tickets may come later.
Check each film’s page for language, subtitles, running time and Q&As; MUTEK is 19+.
Screenings and shows are spread across venues, so check the address before booking.
The Mothersbaugh show is open to all ages.
FIND YOUR PLACE
Explore the layout. Plan your route.
Interactive seating sections remain unverified. The official VIFF 2026 Find Us page provides a multi-venue location map, not seats, stage orientation or price zones.
Photos from this show come first; those from other shows may have a different stage and obstructions.
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FROM AN IDEA TO A PLAN
Make a plan that works for you.
01
Dates & times
2026.10.01 — 2026.10.11
Festival: 1–11 October 2026. Selected Live shows: MUTEK x VIFF Live on 2 October, doors 21:00/show 21:30, SFU Fei and Milton Wong Experimental Theatre; Mark Mothersbaugh on 8 October, doors 17:30/show 18:00, Vancouver Playhouse. Vancouver local time; each selected show takes place only on its listed date.
America/VancouverMore programme details
This year’s most talked-about films, early
MUTEK: late-night electronic music and live visuals
Film scores you know, played by their composer
02
Venue & travel
VIFF Centre and cinemas and theatres across Vancouver
MUTEK is at SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts, 149 W Hastings St; the score concert is at Vancouver Playhouse, 600 Hamilton St. Plan with TransLink for the specific show and check last services for the late event.
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Entry & companions
MUTEK is 19+; Mark Mothersbaugh welcomes all ages. Other screenings have their own age classifications and venue rules.
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Tickets & access
Films CA$22 · Live CA$60
VIFF publishes access guides for each venue. Call 604-683-3456 ahead for wheelchair or companion seating; ask about a Lobby Pass if standing in a queue is difficult. Arrangements vary by venue.
Sources & image credits
Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.
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