The Vaughan International Film Festival is a not-for-profit organization highly invested in securing the future of the short film industry. Through public film screenings, scholarship opportunities as well as engaging and informative panels, webinars, and industry events, VFF strives to support both experienced and aspiring filmmakers.
After more than 10 years, the festival continues to offer a platform for independent creators to share their films and further excel. Between the festival week, promotional events, and unique screenings, filmmakers have the opportunity to reach an audience of more than 20,000 people.
“Festival week is fast approaching and the VFF team is thrilled to bring this exciting event to life,” Antonio Ienco, VFF Co-Founder and Director of Sponsorship and Events, said at VFF’s recent Spring Launch. “With new screening venues and an Indie-Pop headline performer at the Awards, VFF ‘23 is sure to be a memorable experience.”
On June 19th, the festival will open with the Student Screening at York University’s Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, followed by networking in the theatre lobby. Sponsored by Panasonic, the Student Screening lineup will spotlight 16 films from 13 different high schools submitted from across the province. Three student finalists will be announced and, for the first time, each of them will be awarded with a Panasonic Full-Frame Mirrorless camera.
The International Film Blocks are composed of 17 films from 11 different countries, including Iran, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and China. Block One will screen on Tuesday, June 20th and Block Two on Wednesday, June 21st. The screenings will take place at the Terrace Banquet Centre, followed by exclusive after parties at Chop Steakhouse & Bar.
The VFF Awards will be hosted by Breakfast Television’s Stephanie Henry and will take place at the Terrace Banquet Centre on June 22nd. The headline performer of the evening will be Virginia to Vegas, an American-born, Toronto-based singer-songwriter known for his infectious lyrics and upbeat, electronic melodies.
Every year, VFF hands out their Individual Achievement Awards. This year, internationally renowned Canadian actor-producer-writer, Laura Vandervoort, will be presented VFF’s 2023 Indie Leader Award. Laura Vandervoort’s credits include, Bitten, Smallville, and Jigsaw. Accepting this year’s Sandra Piccolo Trailblazer Award will be Mark Lanza, President of Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE). Mark Lanza’s credits include, True Lies, Independence Day, and Natural Born Killers.
Tickets for VFF ‘23 are available at:
vaughanfilmfestival.com