VAFF is the longest running Asian film festival in Canada. It was founded in 1995 and debuted in September 1997. Since then, tens of thousands of film lovers have experienced a diverse selection of North American-Asian and international films.
Each year VAFF attracts close to 5,000 audience members over its four-day festival and year round events. It also reaches many more through word of mouth, pre-festival events, and traditional and social media throughout the year.
In 2020 almost every regional, national and international film festival pivot to be a virtual festival. VAFF was no exception. From the learnings of hosting virtual screenings and panels, VAFF will expand to include a section of its future film festivals to be virtual from 2021 onward.
VAFF is entirely organized and produced by a group of dedicated volunteers, and is made possible by generous financial support from corporate sponsors, public funders and private donors.
VAFF envisions a world where North American Asian actors and filmmakers have the resources and opportunities to shape mainstream culture in a powerful and positive way.
VAFF is dedicated to promoting and celebrating the diversity and depth of Asian culture and identity in film and media, and to help North American Asian actors and filmmakers more authentically and more powerfully define and express themselves on screen.
Through its annual film festival and many other programs and events hosted in Vancouver, VAFF’s mission is to engage in, support and amplify Asian presence in film and television.
