VIBFF 2025

Strike The Iron / Battre le Fer (MTL)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 (Asia/Krasnoyarsk) | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

After immersing himself in the street life, Racci finds redemption through his passion for sports, which he shares with his community to forge a better future, breaking the metaphorical bars that surround his world.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageFrench

PremiereCalgary Premiere

Duration11’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesEnglish subtitles

CastBruno Dramatik

Synopsis

After immersing himself in the street life, Racci finds redemption through his passion for sports, which he shares with his community to forge a better future, breaking the metaphorical bars that surround his world.

Directed by

Bruno Dramatik

Bruno Dramatik

Jocelyn Bruno, aka Dramatik, is the recipient of two Félix awards with his rap group, Muzion. He has directed award-winning short films, notably at the Bushwick Film Festival 2024, and benefited from around ten official world selections. His profound storytelling make him a playwright of his environment.

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Away From Home (TOR)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

Determined to protect international students from escalating vulnerabilities in Canada—a country that once “embraced” them—an award-winning global leader, formerly an international student, teams up with community leaders and academics to speak out on the value of these students and uncover how the system isn’t broken but rather designed this way.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereOttawa Premiere

Duration8’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesNo Subtitles

CastToffy Olowo

Synopsis

Determined to protect international students from escalating vulnerabilities in Canada—a country that once “embraced” them—an award-winning global leader, formerly an international student, teams up with community leaders and academics to speak out on the value of these students and uncover how the system isn’t broken but rather designed this way.

Directed by

Toffy Olowo

Toffy Olowo

is a Nigerian-Canadian writer and director from Toronto. Despite the expectations of pursuing a medical career, Toffy, who graduated with First Class Distinction, decided to follow her passion for the arts. She embarked on a journey through modelling and content creation before realizing her deep-seated desire to leave her mark in the world of film.

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Dreaming in the West (TOR)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

“Dreaming in the West” explores the Canadian dream for Black immigrant artists in our socioeconomically imbalanced world.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereCalgary Premiere

Duration8’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesNo Subtitles

CastBlessing 0. Nwodo

Synopsis

“Dreaming in the West” explores the Canadian dream for Black immigrant artists in our socioeconomically imbalanced world. Following a Nigerian Storyteller, and a Sudanese Musician who rejects smartphone technology to highlight the human cost of cobalt mining in Congo, the film unpacks the struggle to sustain art in a society that often devalues it.

Directed by

Blessing 0. Nwodo

Blessing 0. Nwodo

Blessing O. Nwodo is a Toronto-based, multidisciplinary storyteller and feminist activist. Her work spans a diverse range of mediums, including immersive art exhibitions, documentaries, films, sonic storytelling, and published fiction, poetry, and nonfiction.

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Black and Blue (TOR)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

Garnetta Cromwell, a blues and soul musician of african descent has a lifelong dream of becoming a professional blues singer.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereOttawa Premiere

Duration8’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesNo Subtitles

CastAkanbi Kehinde

Synopsis

Even though she had temporary deafness atthe ripe age of 5 from lying on the floor and putting her ear to the speaker so she could listen to Aretha Franklin’s voice, she didn’t see it as an obstacle but instead as a revelation that singingis her calling. Garnetta wants the world to hear her voice. She wants to promote and inspire theyounger generation of blues artists regardless of their race or gender. But as we all know, theworld always has something different planned for us.

Directed by

Akanbi Kehinde

Akanbi Kehinde

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My Neighbour Taybah (TOR)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

Upon discovering that her lifelong next-door neighbour of over twenty years, Taybah, has never explored what the 6ix has to offer, our director launches a two-day adventure with her to show her what she’s been missing.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereCalgary Premiere

Duration8’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesFrench

CastAhmed Libin

Synopsis

Upon discovering that her lifelong next-door neighbour of over twenty years, Taybah, has never explored what the 6ix has to offer, our director launches a two-day adventure with her to show her what she’s been missing.

Directed by

Ahmed Libin

Ahmed Libin

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Traces of Home (OTT)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

This short film tells the deeply personal and emotional journey of a father who made the life-altering decision to immigrate to Canada from Congo with his family.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageFrench

PremiereOttawa Premiere

Duration8’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesEnglish Subtitles

CastDorcas Tabitha Kanane

Synopsis

This short film tells the deeply personal and emotional journey of a father who made the life-altering decision to immigrate to Canada from Congo with his family. Narrated from his perspective, it dives into the challenges and obstacles he faced while fleeing his home country. The story balances emotional depth with a touch of humor, ensuring the audience is moved without being overwhelmed by the harsh realities of life in Congo

Directed by

Dorcas Tabitha Kanane

Dorcas Tabitha Kanane

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Relentless Hurdles / Resilient Hearts (HLX)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

A compassionate Black immigrant physician shares his personal experience of systemic barriers and resilience required to overcome racial disparities and address critical gaps.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereCalgary Premiere

Duration9’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesNo Subtitles

CastTemitayo Sodunke

Synopsis

A compassionate Black immigrant physician shares his personal experience of systemic barriers and resilience required to overcome racial disparities and address critical gaps. The documentary highlights the intersectional challenges of race, immigration, and inequities in Canada’s healthcare landscape and how this impacts his mental wellbeing.

Directed by

Temitayo Sodunke

Temitayo Sodunke

Temitayo is a PhD Health student at Dalhousie University who combines leadership skills with health advocacy. Her focus areas include health promotion, reducing inequalities, and mental health among marginalized populations. She uniquely incorporates documentary photography as a storytelling medium to address challenges across health and other sectors.

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Under Pressure (HLX)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

“Under Pressure” examines the unique struggles of African Nova Scotian men through the perspective of Dennis Adams Jr., a bald, bearded Black man.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereOttawa Premiere

Duration8’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesNo Subtitles

CastAndre Anderson

Synopsis

“Under Pressure” examines the unique struggles of African Nova Scotian men through the perspective of Dennis Adams Jr., a bald, bearded Black man. With raw honesty, the film weaves themes of identity, mental health, and personal growth, offering an intimate look at life in modern-day New Scotland (Nova Scotia).

Directed by

Andre Anderson

Andre Anderson

Andre Anderson is a gifted storyteller and African Nova Scotian visionary. He is an alumni of Neptune Theatre School, Saint Mary’s University, and Nova Scotia Community College. Beyond storytelling, Andre is a transformational leader dedicated to creating value and making a difference in his community through his vision and creativity.

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Lemon Lime (OTT)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

Two long-time friends, Makahi and Yannick, reflect on their respective journeys as artists in different disciplines—visual arts and music production.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereClagary Premiere

Duration9’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesNo Subtitles

CastMuram Idris

Synopsis

Two long-time friends, Makahi and Yannick, reflect on their respective journeys as artists in different disciplines—visual arts and music production. The two delve into their experiences as young Black artists in Ottawa, sharing insights into their paths and creative growth.

Directed by

Muram Idris

Muram Idris

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Black in School (HLX)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

A young Black girl navigates high school while dealing with the death of her father, moving to a new city, and adolescent pressures.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereCalgary Premiere

Duration10’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesNo Subtitles

CastHabiba Diallo

Synopsis

A young Black girl navigates high school while dealing with the death of her father, moving to a new city, and adolescent pressures.

Directed by

Habiba Diallo

Habiba Diallo

“Habiba Diallo is the author of the book “BlackIn School”. She is the inaugural winner of the Senator Don Oliver Black Voices Prize and has received other literary accolades. The Government of Canada recognized her as an outstanding woman in 2019.

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Self Actualization (VANC)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

Being mixed-race can be challenging, navigating the world often feels complicated. Aesha shares her journey from childhood to adulthood.
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BBIC 2025 TICKET

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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereOttawa Premiere

Duration10’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesNo Subtitles

CastMarion Jacobs

Synopsis

Being mixed-race can be challenging, navigating the world often feels complicated. Aesha shares her journey from childhood to adulthood. Facing toxic environments but finding strength in the right people and embracing who you are is the key to making it easier.

Directed by

Marion Jacobs

Marion Jacobs

Marion Jacobs, Actress, Director, Writer and Teaching Artist is proud of her Squamish, Snuneymuxw and Bahamian ancestry. She was born and raised in West Vancouver, BC. She moved to L.A for University and attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy receiving a BFA with honors in Performing Arts Acting.

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Fertilizer (HLX)
2025-12-06 17:00 - 2025-12-09 19:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

A father reflects upon the cycles of life and parenthood, upon the birth of his son.
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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereVancouver Premiere

Duration11’min

GenreShort Doc

Year2024

SubtitlesNo Subtitles

CastN/a

Synopsis

A father reflects upon the cycles of life and parenthood, upon the birth of his son. Memories and reflections of his own father come to mind as he dissects the meaning of growth and acceptance. Will history repeat? Or may he will the seasons to change?

Directed by

Kanin Gosbee

Kanin Gosbee

is an African Nova Scotian and Indigenous man in his mid-twenties — a lifelong artist, aspiring entrepreneur, and proud new father to a baby boy. Having overcome various forms of trauma and social challenges through years of reflection, he now seeks to share his personal journey and growth through his films.

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Snake (In Theatre & Online)
2025-12-06 19:30 - 21:30 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Co-presented by

Storyline

When a 10-year-old farm girl is entrapped by a sinister stranger’s lies, she must use the truth to save her family.

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CountrySouth Africa

LanguageAfrikaans,
English

PremiereBritish Columbia

Duration109’min

GenreNarrative Feature

Year2024

SubtitlesEnglish

CastL. Barnard
N. Jaarsveld
K. Arrison

Synopsis

When a luminous stranger arrives on the farm, Stella’s father stays sober and her mother begins to laugh again. But the man with the silver cross has not come to save them. As Jerry slithers his way into their hearts, his own dark wounds begin to show. Stella must shut up and watch him strangle her family or use the truth to fight for their lives.

Directed by

Meg Rickards

Meg Rickards

As a writer and director, Meg Rickards is passionate about telling authentic human stories. She has directed four feature films, a feature documentary, a miniseries and numerous short films. Meg’s most recent film is SNAKE (2024) screened at Dances with FIlms in Los Angeles and the Johannesburg International Film Festival. It is available on Amazon Prime in Africa.

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Canadian Spotlight
2025-12-07 11:00 - 2025-12-09 13:00 | Online
Canadian Spotlight

Someone Like Me / Une Personne Comme Moi (Online Only)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Il n’y a pas de faux métier / There are no false undertakings (Online Only)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Rumba Rules, Nouvelles Généalogies / Rumba Rules, New Genealogies (Online Only)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Cette Maison (Online Only)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Kite Zo A: Leave the Bones (Online Only)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Stateless (Online Only)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Dope is Death (Online Only)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Subjects of Desire (Online Only)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

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Il n'y a pas de faux métier / There are no false undertakings (Online Only)
2025-12-07 11:00 - 2025-12-09 14:00 | Online
Storyline

Si cette histoire est une histoire vraie, elle n’en demeure pas moins tout à fait une fiction. Et parce qu’elle le demeure tout à fait, vous pouvez donc y croire sans craindre d’être trompé.

CountryCanada

LanguageFrench

PremiereNo Premiere

Duration108’min

GenreCA Spotlight

Year2020

SubtitlesEnglish

CastL. Mavangui
T. Z. Botao

Synopsis

Marie-Cobra, recipient of a grant, advances in the writing of a screenplay which tells the story of a poet whose mission is to defuse bombs and of a police officer assigned to protect him; Rosaire, her former lover, a pastor, is writing a conference which deals with “the impossible love between believers and disbelievers”, but which the stake is really his own impossible love with Marie-Cobra; Mélusine, an old friend, decides to go back to writing a play featuring a vampire with anal cancer, which, in Rosaire’s opinion, is not at all funny.

Directed by

Olivier Godin

Olivier Godin

Olivier Godin est un réalisateur et scénariste québécois. Il a réalisé plusieurs courts métrages avant de présenter en première son premier long métrage, Le Pays des âmes, au Festival du nouveau cinéma de 2011. Il a enchaîné en 2014 avec Nouvelles, nouvelles, et en 2016 avec Les Arts de la parole, pour lequel il a remporté un prix du jury lors de l’édition 2017 des Percéides.

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Rumba Rules, Nouvelles Généalogies / Rumba Rules, New Genealogies (Online Only)
2025-12-07 11:00 - 2025-12-09 14:00 | Online
Storyline

FR: Au coeur de l’Orchestre de Brigade Sarbati, incursion dans la scène de la rumba congolaise à Kinshasa.
EN: Glimpse into the contemporary music scene of Kinshasa featuring Brigade Sarbati Orchestra.

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CountryCanada

LanguageLingala

PremiereNo Premiere

Duration107’min

GenreCA Spotlight

Year2020

SubtitlesEnglish

CastBrigade Sarbati
& son orchestre

Synopsis

Permeating the daily life of one of the great orchestras of the current generation, Rumba Rules proposes an incursion into the arcanes of a monumental African music. Ya Mayi, Lumumba, Xéna La Guerrière, Pitchou Travolta, Alfred Solo, Soleil Patron and many others: nearly thirty artists feed the creative life of the Brigade Sarbati Orchestra.
By entering the group and the city of Kinshasa, the film gets into the rumba as if it were penetrating a rootstock. Through studio work, rehearsals and concerts, different portraits offer a foray into the dynamics and stories of this highly acclaimed Congolese music. From local roots to the patrons from the diaspora, the voices of Rumba Rules polyphony are past and present.

Directed by

David N. Bernatchez

David N. Bernatchez

Biographie. David N. Bernatchez est un cinéaste et bricoleur de savoirs né au Québec. En tant qu’anthropologue, il multiplie les projets sur la mémoire.

Sammy Baloji

Sammy Baloji

Sammy Baloji, artiste congolais, explore la mémoire, l’histoire et l’héritage colonial de la RDC à travers photographie, vidéo et installations.

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Cette Maison (Online Only)
2025-12-07 11:00 - 2025-12-09 14:00 | Online
Storyline

Une adolescente est retrouvée pendue dans sa chambre. Alors que tout laisse croire à un suicide, le rapport d’autopsie révèle une autre évidence.
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CountryCanada

LanguageCreole,
French

PremiereNo Premiere

Duration73’min

GenreCA Spotlight

Year2022

SubtitlesEnglish

CastF. B. Mbaye,
S. J. Baptiste,
E. Duranceau

Synopsis

Bridgeport, January 17, 2008. A teenage girl is found hanged in her room. While everything points to suicide, the autopsy report reveals something else. Ten years later, the director and cousin of the teenager examine the past causes and future consequences of this unsolved crime. Like an imagined biography, the film explores the relationship between the security of the living space and the violence that can jeopardize it.

Directed by

Miryam Charles

Miryam Charles

Miryam Charles is a filmmaker of Haitian origin living in Montreal. Her films have been presented at various festivals in Quebec and internationally.

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Kite Zo A: Leave the Bones (Online Only)
2025-12-07 11:00 - 2025-12-09 14:00 | Online
Storyline

”Kite Zo A” est un film sensoriel sur les rituels en Haïti, de l’ancien au moderne.
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CountryCanada

LanguageHaitian Creole

PremiereNo Premiere

Duration70’min

GenreCA Spotlight

Year2022

SubtitlesEnglish

CastSanba Zao

Synopsis

In 1791, in Haiti, Dutty Boukman presided over a Vodou ritual in Bois-Caïman that led to the creation of the first Black republic. Since then, rituals of transformation and artistic expression have been at the core of a thriving culture as the country faces oppression, poverty, and natural disasters.
“Kite Zo A” (Leave the Bones) is a sensorial film about rituals in Haiti, from ancient to modern, made in collaboration with poets, dancers, musicians, fishermen, daredevil rollerbladers, and Vodou priests, set to poetry by Haitian author Wood-Jerry Gabriel.

Directed by

Kaveh Nabatian

Kaveh Nabatian

Kaveh Nabatian is an Iranian-Canadian musician and film director, known as a trumpeter and keyboardist with the Juno Award winning orchestral post-rock band Bell Orchestre.

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Stateless (Online Only)
2025-12-07 11:00 - 2025-12-09 14:00 | Online
Storyline

Through the grassroots campaign of electoral hopeful Rosa Iris, director Michèle Stephenson’s new documentary reveals the depths of racial hatred and institutionalized oppression that divide Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
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CountryCanada

LanguageCreole,
Spanish

PremiereNo Premiere

Duration95’min

GenreCA Spotlight

Year2023

SubtitlesEnglish

CastL. Nicholas

Synopsis

In 1937, tens of thousands of Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent were exterminated by the Dominican army, on the basis of anti-black racism. Fast-forward to 2013, the Dominican Republic’s Supreme Court stripped the citizenship of anyone with Haitian parents, retroactive to 1929, rendering more than 200,000 people stateless.
Director Michèle Stephenson’s new documentary follows the grassroots campaign of a young attorney named Rosa Iris, as she challenges electoral corruption and fights to protect the right to citizenship for all people.

Directed by

Michèle Stephenson

Michèle Stephenson

Michèle Stephenson Michèle Stephenson pulls from her Haitian and Panamanian roots to think radically about storytelling to build a practice that centers the lived experiences of the Black diaspora in the Americas. Stephenson draws on fiction, immersive and hybrid forms of storytelling to build her worlds and narratives.

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Dope is Death (Online Only)
2025-12-07 11:00 - 2025-12-09 14:00 | Online
Storyline

The story of how Tupac Shakur’s stepfather Dr. Mutulu Shakur, along with fellow Black Panthers and the Young Lords, created the first acupuncture detoxification program in the U.S.
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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereNo Premiere

Duration81’min

GenreCA Spotlight

Year2021

SubtitlesFrench

CastJ. Cortez
M. S. Latine
P. Pietri

Synopsis

In 1973, Dr. Mutulu Shakur, along with fellow Black Panthers and the Young Lords, combined community health with radical politics to create the first acupuncture detoxification program in America.
DOPE IS DEATH explores how this form of radical harm reduction was a revolutionary act toward the government programs that transfixed the lives of black and brown communities throughout the South Bronx. DOPE IS DEATH utilizes an abundant archive while giving us insight into how the acupuncture clinic rose to prominence and, despite funding challenges, still functions to this day. Some of those who benefited from the program became acupuncturists themselves. Dr. Mutulu’s legacy is cemented within this profound story of community healing and activism. (Amir George of True/False)

Directed by

Mia Donovan

Mia Donovan

Mia Donovan is a Canadian photographer and filmmaker. She is best known for her documentary Inside Lara Roxx released through EyeSteelFilm.

Trailer

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Short Film Series (In Theatre)
2025-12-07 13:00 - 2025-12-09 15:00 | Vancity Theatre, VIFF Centre 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6B 3M7, Canada
Narrative Short Films

Nya Does Nothing (In Theatre & Online)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Kansas (In Theatre & Online)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Ownership (In Theatre & Online)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

To…Or Not To! (In Theatre & Online)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Sèyí Àjàyí (In Theatre & Online)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Can You Feel It Now? (In Theatre & Online)

Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Fou (Crazy) (In Theatre & Online)

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Short Film Series (Online)
2025-12-07 13:00 - 2025-12-09 15:00 | Online

WORKSHOP - Insuring Your Vision: A Practical Workshop on Film Production Insurance for Black Filmmakers
2025-12-07 15:00 - 17:00 | Online
Description

ONLINE ON FACEBOOK:
This hands-on workshop will demystify the complexities of film production insurance, a critical but often overlooked aspect of filmmaking.
As Black filmmakers navigate the challenges of the industry, understanding how to properly insure their projects is essential for protecting their creative work and financial investment. This interactive session will provide practical knowledge on various types of insurance and guidance on securing coverage tailored to the unique needs of Black filmmakers.
REGISTER FOR FREE NOW!
JOIN US AND ENJOY THE AMAZING JOURNEY

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Instructors

Jeremy Wright

Jeremy Wright

A graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School, with further certifications in Entertainment Law and Negotiation. After articling with a full-service firm in London, Ontario, Jeremy started his own firm to serve and support independent musicians, artists, filmmakers, creators, and performers.
His practice is built on a foundation of over a decade’s experience in several roles in Canada’s arts industry; Jeremy has performed internationally and produced successful tours across theatres in Ontario and Atlantic Canada. With an emphasis on risk management, Jeremy’s counsel is valued by arts entrepreneurs for the peace of mind and protection he offers for their businesses.

Stephanie Herrera

Stephanie Herrera

A multi-award-winning actor and writer, and her work has led to nominations for a Latin American Achievement Award and a Canadian Comedy Award. Stephanie has performed for TV, Film, Theatre, Improv, Sketch, and as a Voice Over artist.
She has been the Director of Operations and a judge for several film festivals as well as the Artistic Director of the Ontario International Film Festival and Durham Improv Collective Inc. She writes for film and TV, with credits including “Camp Snoopy” (Apple TV), “Open Season” (Sony Pictures’ animated series), and “Tiny and Tall” for TVO Kids.

Nenritji Suwa

Nenritji Suwa

Host

Nenritji Suwa is a Canadian filmmaker, writer, and content creator who works across various media, including filmmaking, journalism, and art research. Her work explores black identity, the Black diaspora, and race, often using storytelling to create spaces for reflection and dialogue.
She is an emerging artist whose work has been featured in various media channels and professional platforms.

Action Beyond Awareness Forum Online Panel - Success Stories of Black Creatives
2025-12-07 17:00 - 19:00 | Online
Description

Join us for an empowering online panel that highlights the journeys, achievements, and insights of Black creatives breaking barriers in the arts and entertainment industries. Panelists will share their personal stories of perseverance, innovation, and success, offering inspiration and practical advice for emerging artists and professionals.
This discussion celebrates creativity, representation, and the impact of Black voices in shaping culture, while providing actionable strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities in today’s creative landscape.
REGISTER FOR FREE NOW!
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Host

Chanice Lorde

Chanice Lorde

Chanice is an actress who recently relocated to Halifax from Barbados. Her creative career began by creating skits and posting to YouTube which exposed her to the world of film and acting. After falling in love with film she then trained with various coaches which lead to her appearance in films and commercials. Chanice is excited to connect with local talent and highlight stories from other immigrants and artists!

Speakers

Ilhan Abdullahi

Ilhan Abdullahi

A Somali Canadian community organizer and filmmaker whose work explores Black, Muslim, and newcomer experiences. Her films, including Dreamers, Not For Us, Unqualified, and Lifeline, have earned festival recognition and awards. A Whistler Screenwriters Lab alum, she recently completed production on her debut feature film, Lifeline.

Chris Strikes

Chris Strikes

Splitting his time between Vancouver and Toronto, he is a producer-director, who helmed the award-winning feature documentary Becoming a Queen and the award-winning short documentary Patty vs. Patty. Being of Jamaican and Barbadian descent, Chris prides himself in unearthing forgotten or little known Caribbean-related stories and bringing them to screen.

Giselle Miller

Giselle Miller

A Jamaican-Canadian writer, actor and filmmaker. Giselle fell in love with storytelling early, winning her first writing competition at 13. After completing an MFA in 2020, she went on to write, produce and direct the Leo Award-winning web series Novelette is Trying. Giselle is in development on several projects including her debut feature film

Christopher Corbett

Christopher Corbett

a versatile Canadian artist hailing from Edmonton, AB. Trained at various institutions like Vancouver Film School and The Citadel Theatre, he brings a dynamic passion to his work. With over 40 credits across acting, filmmaking, and modeling, Christopher is a vibrant creative force who continues his growth.

VIBFF2025 Being Black In Canada (Online)
2025-12-07 17:00 - 19:30 | Online
VIBFF 2025 Being Black In Canada (Online)

West Lodge Redemption (TOR)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Black in School (HLX)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Mikerlande: L’Exil de la Mémoire du Griot (MTL)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Relentless Hurdles / Resilient Hearts (HLX)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Double Combat (MTL)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Under Pressure (HLX)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Strike The Iron / Battre le Fer (MTL)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Self Actualization (VANC)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Away From Home (TOR)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

What we talk about, When we talk about Blackness (VANC)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Dreaming in the West (TOR)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Fertilizer (HLX)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Black and Blue (TOR)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

My Neighbour Taybah (TOR)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Traces of Home (OTT)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

Lemon Lime (OTT)

Being Black in Canada, Film Selection, VIBFF2025 Events

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Subjects of Desire (Online Only)
2026-12-07 11:00 - 2026-12-09 14:00 | Online
Storyline

Provocative and celebratory, Subjects of Desire challenges what we understand about race and the power behind beauty.
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CountryCanada

LanguageEnglish

PremiereNo Premiere

Duration101’min

GenreCA Spotlight

Year2021

SubtitlesFrench

CastI. Irie,
J. Black,
A. Germain

Synopsis

Subjects of Desire is a timely documentary film that examines the cultural shift in North American beauty standards towards embracing Black female aesthetics and features.
Told from the POV of women who aren’t afraid to challenge conventional beauty standards, the film explores the positive and negative portrayals of Black women in media and asks what is the impact today?
Weaving through the past and present, Subjects of Desire is a culturally significant, provocative documentary film that challenges and ultimately deconstructs what we understand about race and the power behind beauty.

Directed by

Jennifer Holness

Jennifer Holness

Erisa Apantaku is a queer, Black/biracial multimedia producer and uninvited guest on the lands of the Three Fires Confederacy (Ottawa, Ojibe, and Potawatomi Nations)

Trailer

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