Photo: Simon Yamamoto/VIMFF
The 2024 Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) includes over 70 outdoor films, workshops, and speakers spread across over 30 events. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s festival.
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival started with a few nights of films in 1998. Over the years, the community-run, not-for-profit festival has grown to a 10-day event that includes dozens of films, speakers, and expert-led workshops. The VIMFF showcases all manner of outdoor sports from hiking to rock climbing to skiing and more. You can expect to see films and speakers from all over the world, but there are always lots of local adventurers on the program as well.
This year’s festival runs in-person from February 23 to March 3 at venues in Vancouver and North Vancouver. The films are also streaming online from February 23 to March 24.
Tickets and Passes
There are a few different ways to get tickets. You can buy tickets to any of the 34 in-person shows or workshops. If you buy tickets to more than one event, you get 10% off.
Or you can buy tickets to one of ten online shows and workshops, which are available for streaming. There’s also an online film pass option that gives you access to all of the streaming content from the festival.
Pro tip: Buy your tickets or passes in advance since prices go up once the festival starts.
Festival Highlights
Mind vs. Mountain Show
The films and speakers at Mind vs. Mountain Show explore the intersection of mental health, injury, recovery, and mountain adventures. The evening includes five inspiring and thought-provoking films as well as a panel discussion with three stars from the evening’s films.
When: Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 7 pm
Where: Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
A still from The Summit Within, one of the films at the Mind vs. Mountain Show. Photo: Roo Smith/VIMFF
Indigenous Identity in the Outdoors Show
The films at the Indigenous Identity in the Outdoors Show highlight stories about Indigenous stewardship and reclamation through paddling, running, and riding. The evening also includes a panel discussion centred on the impact of outdoor recreation on Indigenous communities.
When: Friday, March 1, 2024 at 7 pm
Where: Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
Still from With the Tide, one of the films at the Indigenous Identity in the Outdoors Show. Photo: Chelsea J Jolly/VIMFF
Cultivating Creativity in the Mountains Workshop
Local artist Jessa Gilbert will talk you through her process of applying a creative lens to adventure at the Cultivating Creativity in the Mountains workshop. She will show you the similarities between planning a backcountry ski trip and painting huge murals inspired by her mountain adventures.
When: Sunday, February 25, 2024 at 1pm
Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver
Local artist Jessa Gilbert poses with one of her large-scale nature-inspired murals. Photo: Jessa Gilbert/VIMFF
The Spirit of the Send Show
Come watch four rock climbing films at the Spirit of the Send Show. The evening also includes a presentation from blind climber Erik Weihenmayer and his climbing partner Timmy O’Neil about their award-winning film, Soundscape, and their adventures around the world.
When: Monday, February 26, 2024 at 7 pm
Where: Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver
A still from the film Soundscape starring Erik Weihenmayer and Timmy O’Neil. Photo: VIMFF
Silvicola
This feature-length film explores the complex interplay of cultural and economic forces that shape modern forestry practices in British Columbia. Silvicola uses gorgeous vignettes and soundscapes to tell the stories of an eclectic mix of characters including tree planters, loggers, mill operators, and Indigenous people.
When: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at 7 pm
Where: The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe Street, Vancouver
Still from Silvicola. Photo: ViMFF