Global BC sponsors 27th Annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival

November 2 to 12
Cineplex Odeon International Village Cinemas & Virtual

The 27th Vancouver Asian Film Festival (VAFF) is the largest film screening ever in the festival’s history, with 131 films, 35 in-person and virtual programs, and over 20 world premieres.

Film Highlights

Opening Spotlight Film | November 2 at 6:00 pm

• Rain Town dirs. Tunku Mona Riza and Binti Tunku Khalid (Malaysia)

Choo, the head of the household, unrelentingly wields control over his three grown children: Isaac, Alex and Ruby, disregarding their dreams and happiness. When Aileen, Choo’s wife, is struck by a tragedy, the family drifts further apart, embroiling them in a heartbreaking conflict.

E8 Spotlight Film | November 3 at 4:30 pm

• Thrown Into Canada dir. Aleem Karmali (India)

After Idi Amin’s expulsion of South Asians from Uganda in 1972, Canada opened its doors to its first major non-European refugee movement. Their story of struggle and hope became part of Canada’s conversations about refugees and diversity.

Centerpiece Spotlight Film | November 4 at 6:30 pm

• A Great Divide dir. Jean Shim (US)

After experiencing devastating loss, the Lee family leave the Bay Area for a fresh start in the rural expanses of Wyoming, only to encounter hostility and xenophobia in their new community. How they confront these issues will break them – or make them stronger. Starring Ken Jeong,  Jae Suh Park, and Emerson Min.

Closing Spotlight Film | November 11 at 8:50 pm

• GONTA: The Story of the Two-Named Dog in the Fukushima Disaster dir. Akio NISHIZAWA (Japan)

On March 11, 2011, a major earthquake hit. Hoping they could return soon, the family evacuated, leaving their pet, Gonta, behind. However, a nuclear plant accident prevented their return. Volunteers saved Gonta, but his remaining time was limited.

Find more details at www.vaff.org