After playing over 300 full length features and shorts for the Vancouver cinephiles, VIFF wrapped up its 2024 edition with Emilia Perez and Nightbitch headlining the final day. Both heavy hitting award season contenders, Selena Gomez’s Emilia Perez and Amy Adams’ Nightbitch are excellent examples of VIFF continuing it’s streak as a world class festival. Other Oscar hopefuls that played this year were Conclave, Sean Baker’s Anora, and Payal Kapadia’s All we Imagine as Light.
For some local flavour, the festival began with the film Ari’s Theme. This movie brought many audience members in tears. It is about local musician Ari Kinarthy, who lives with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and his goal to leave behind a legacy through creating music. The film was scored by original pieces from Kinarthy and was an incredibly moving watch.
Other highlights were the immersive storytelling of Conclave, a gripping political drama that dives deep into the machinations of a high-stakes Vatican City after the death of the Pope. Directed by Edward Berger, who also made All Quiet on the Western Front, the film presents a fascinating exploration of power, faith, and the secrets that shape decisions at the highest levels. With an ensemble cast that includes a possible Best Actor Oscar performance from Ralph Fiennes, Conclave is a captivating film that makes audiences think about faith.
Meanwhile, Anora, directed by Sean Baker, stood out for its vibrant portrayal of a struggling New York stripper and her love life after meeting the son of a rich Russian oligarch. Baker’s trademark style blends raw realism with a touch of humor, making Anora a standout entry in the festival. The film’s rich cinematography and excellent performances left a big impression (look for Mikey Madison to contend for Best Actress this awards season).
Finally, Filipino fans rejoice! Inay (Mama) won the Arbutus Award for best B.C. film. Congratulations to Thea Loo on this wonderful accomplishment! VIFF does not only showcase a remarkable lineup of films every year, but they also do a lot of work to foster a sense of community among filmmakers and audiences alike. In a year marked by powerful narratives and thought-provoking themes, VIFF 2024 solidified its reputation as a premier platform for both established and emerging voices in cinema. (Julian-Ray Fortaleza, Reyfort Publishing)
