The Victoria Film Festival (VFF)—celebrating its 28th anniversary—is pulling out all the stops for 2022.
The festival runs February 4 to 13, playing host to 86 features and 27 shorts.
One of this year’s highlights is American actor Tom Skerritt (Top Gun, A River Runs Through It, Picket Fences), who will take part in an in-person onstage interview at The Vic Theatre on Sunday, February 6, followed by a screening of his latest film East of the Mountains.
Other highlights include Sips ‘n’ Cinema on Saturday, February 12, featuring the film Son of Monarchs playing at The Vic Theatre, followed by drinks, light fare and film discussion at The Mint. Advance tickets are needed for this event.
It’s high seas or high tea for this year’s pop-up venues, which include Prince of Whales Whale Watching boat and the luxury of the Fairmont Empress.
Film lovers can also get in on the action with different free events happening around town, such as Posterful, an art exhibit at the Atrium Lobby.
Resistance is a look into augmented reality, which can be accessed anywhere by scanning a code that allows you to see what happens when your face is turned into data.
Love animation? There is a free all-day session with NFB’s Teri Snelgrove.
Visit victoriafilmfestival.com for more details, and to buy advance tickets and help VFF celebrate 28 years in fine fashion.
VFF Top Picks
1
Esluna:
Local filmmaker Denver Jackson creates an action-adventure animated feature set in the retro-futuristic world of Esluna, where a young relic hunter and her crew must find an ancient artifact known as the “Crown of Babylon.” Sunday, Feb. 6 at 1:45 pm. In cinema and online viewing.
2
One Pint at a Time:
Black-owned breweries make up fewer than 1 per cent of 9,000 breweries in the US. Eager to shift the perception of who makes and drinks beer, Black brewers, brand owners and influencers reshape the craft beer industry, and the future of America’s favourite adult beverage. Directed by Aaron Hose. Sunday, Feb. 13 at 1:45 pm. In-theatre and online viewing.
3
Bank Job:
Bank Job blows the lid off the connections between debt, money creation and inequality in a quirky documentary about a community taking control of its own financial well-being, in the style of a bank heist. Directed by Daniel Edelstyn and Hilary Powell. Sunday, Feb. 6 at 2:45 pm. In-theatre and online viewing.
4
After Love:
Mary Hussain is a 62-year-old English Muslim convert who suffers an identity crisis after her husband, Ahmed, dies unexpectedly of a heart attack, and she discovers her secret past. Directed by Aleem Khan. Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 4:15 pm. In-theatre and online viewing.
5
The Worst Person in the World:
You would not think that another romantic comedy was called for, but this one breathes new life into the genre, as Julie buoyantly moves through boyfriends and careers. Winner Best Actress, Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Joachim Trier. Saturday, Feb. 12 at 6:45 pm. In-theatre viewing only.
6
After Antarctica:
This documentary follows polar explorer Will Steger’s life journey as an eyewitness to the greatest changes in the polar regions of our planet. After a lifetime of landmark expeditions across both poles, no explorer alive has seen more of the polar world. Directed by Tasha Van Zant. Monday, Feb. 7 at 1:45 pm. In-theatre and online viewing.
7
Last of the Right Whales:
In this documentary, a group of volunteers, including a photographer, biologist and crab fisher race against the clock to raise awareness and save the fewer than 330 remaining right whales that migrate along North America’s East Coast. Directed by Nadine Pequeneza. Saturday, Feb. 5 at 8:15 pm. In-theatre and online viewing.
8
Mau:
For those unfamiliar with the art and design of Bruce Mau, this introduction offers pure pleasure. Experience his journey from humble Canadian beginnings to becoming a celebrated artist, and designer. Directed by Benjamin and Jono Bergmann. Friday, Feb. 4 at 8:15 pm. In-theatre viewing only
9
The Young Lovers:
Pierre is a doctor in his 40s when he begins a love affair with a 71-year-old retired architect named Shauna, who tries to push him away, as she begins to lose confidence in her faculties. Directed by Carine Tardieu. Friday, Feb. 4 at 9:30 pm. In-theatre viewing only.