The Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is back and bigger than ever, as it returns to town for its landmark 30th edition, running from November 5 to 15. This year’s edition, “our legacy, our future,” celebrates the festival’s three decades-long run as an iconic mainstay of Vancouver’s vibrant film culture. The 11-day festival will host over 100 films, with about half of those being Canadian titles. The VAFF takes place in theatres across Vancouver, as well as via virtual programming available in Northern Turtle Island (Canada).
“We may be a small festival, but we are a mighty one,” the founder of the festival, Barbara Lee, told The Peak. “Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of showcasing filmmakers early in their journeys, before their work reached wider audiences. Being part of that journey is one of the most meaningful things [we] do.”
Lee views the balance of showcasing stories from the Canadian Asian diaspora with the global Asian diaspora as complementary commitments of the festival. “Our roots are firmly in this community, and we want local filmmakers to feel that VAFF is a place where they can develop their craft, take creative risks, and find their audience. At the same time, bringing international stories to Vancouver allows us to broaden perspectives and discover the experiences that connect us across borders and generations.”
“Our anniversary is both a celebration of how far we have come and a call to action to ensure the next generation of Asian Canadian storytellers has the support and opportunities they deserve.”
— Barbara Lee, VAFF founder
Despite the festival’s historical success, it has also faced many challenges over the years. “Sustaining VAFF has never been easy,” Lee shared. “Our growth has been made possible by the dedication of people who believe Asian Canadian stories deserve to be told.” Lee went on to share that funding has been scarce, receiving support from the BC Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts just a handful of times over the years. “Our anniversary is both a celebration of how far we have come and a call to action to ensure the next generation of Asian Canadian storytellers has the support and opportunities they deserve.”
Among the many films being shown, including 15 world premieres, the festival is also taking a trip down memory lane by opening with Shopping for Fangs, the film which kicked off its first edition. Quentin Lee, co-director of the film, relayed to us how important this festival has been in his filmmaking career. “From its inception 30 years ago, [VAFF] was my chosen family. Founder Barbara Lee saw Shopping for Fangs, believed in it, and programmed it.” Barbara Lee’s appreciation for Shopping for Fangs and directors Quentin Lee and Justin Lin certainly shines through. “Revisiting this film is more than a celebration of our history; it’s a reflection of why we started this festival and the possibilities that open up when Asian filmmakers are given a platform to share their stories,” she reflected.
With the first 30 years of the festival coming to an end, Lee is now looking ahead to what the next 30 will bring. “We’re proud of how VAFF has incubated, nurtured, mentored, showcased, and celebrated the breadth and depth of the Asian filmmaking community [ . . . ] I hope the next generation of Asian filmmakers sees VAFF as a place where they belong, where their work is valued, and where their journeys can begin.”
You can visit VAFF’s screenings by purchasing a festival pass, ranging from $40 (virtual screenings) to $350 (premier pass).
