
We are only weeks away from the 31st Annual Victoria Film Festival (VFF), let’s see what is in store.

The 10-day festival is rolling the reels for an epic 31st celebration with over 90 feature films and 28 shorts. Projects by creators from all over the world and on Vancouver Island. This year’s festival will feature screenings at seven unique locations. Including Toaster Rocket Cinema – a pop-up with a twist – where you can make yourself a piece of toast!
Kathy Kay, Festival Director had this to say:
The Victoria Film Festival is ecstatic to celebrate its 31st year as a not-for-profit charitable arts organization!
We are bringing you everything from thought-provoking documentaries to edge-of-your-seat thrillers – okay maybe not the very edge – plus a few probably-not-safe-for-work moments we’re definitely not going to apologize for.
Check out a few trailers of Canadian films airing at the festival below.
Paying For It
Chester (Dan Beirne) is a cartoonist, who in the wake of his breakup with Sonny (Emily Lê), decides to hire sex workers rather than pursue romantic relationships. It makes sense to him as practical choice. However, with it comes the complexities of sex. As a transactional act, cultural conventions surrounding what love is supposed to be, and the nature of human connection.
Rounding out the cast is Andrea Werhun as Yulissa, who meets Chester as a client, but eventually forms a deeper connection that blurs boundaries between what he thought he was paying for and what he’s actually getting.
The Worlds Divide
The film begins on a futuristic Earth that has been consumed by war and famine. Natomi tries to live a cautious life but when the dangers escalate, her father Terric makes a daring decision to put his children out of harm’s way. He transports them to a magical world called Esluna. Natomi wakes up alone in a lush, thriving world that is the opposite of the crumbling world she left behind.
However, her safety quickly becomes threatened by the tyrannical princess, Idena, who attempts to capture and kill her. As she escapes, Natomi discovers that her father is considered a god in Esluna and the people want him to bring back balance and peace. Natomi makes it her mission to get her father back to Esluna with the help of an unlikely group of new friends she meets along the way.
Indigenous Films
This year’s VFF boasts a number of exciting films by Indigenous filmmakers. This includes Moloka’i Bound, Red, White & Brass, The Stand, and Sweet Summer Pow Wow. These films are directed by Darrell Dennis, whose feature debut, The Great Salish Heist, released last year.
The Victoria Film Festival (VFF) kicks off on February 7, with an opening film followed by a gala that virtually transports guests to different eras of Rome – from Ancient Rome, the Renaissance, and the 1960s all at 1101 Yates Street (at Cook).
For tickets, more information on the event the full lineup go to the website