For those of you who don’t know, the Vancouver International Film Festival is rapidly approaching and this year’s line-up looks better than ever! The festival is to begin on Thursday, September 27th and ends on Friday, October 12th. Here are this years most anticipated films for the festival.
Boy Erased tells the story of a boy named Jared who is forced to participate in a gay-conversion program with his Church. Lucas Hedges gives another award-worthy performance alongside Nicole Kidman and Joel Edgerton who also wrote and directed the film.
VIFF’s Opening Gala this year is a film called The Hummingbird Project. It’s a story about two cousins who try to build a fibre-optic cable that will shave milliseconds of the stock exchange. The film stars Jessie Eisenberg, Alexander Skarsgård, and Salma Hayek. It was written and directed by the Canadian filmmaker, Kim Nguyen.
Can You Ever Forgive Me? is the true story of Lee Israel who scammed people by selling forged signatures of eminent individuals such as authors and actors. Lee Israel is portrayed by actress Melissa McCarthy in one of her more dramatic roles.
John C. Reilly and Joaquin Phoenix play trained brotherly assassins in this new western by Jacques Audiard. The brothers go on a journey to kill a gold prospector accused of stealing from a crime boss. The Sisters Brothers also stars Riz Ahmed, Jake Gyllenhaal and Rutger Hauer.
Sharkwater Extinction is the last documentary made by filmmaker Rob Stewart, before his untimely death, which occurred during the making this film. Sharkwater Extinction tackles the heavy reality of over-hunting Sharks. It is the sequel to Stewart’s first documentary, Sharkwater.
The Favourite is a historical drama set in 18th century England about two servants who compete for Queen Anne’s affection. The film stars Olivia Colman as Queen Anne and Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz as the Queen’s servants.
Although Bel Canto is NOT one of VIFF’s special presentations, the highly anticipated drama is being screened twice during the festival. It stars Julianne Moore as a famous opera singer who becomes a victim in a hostage takeover in South America.
Everybody Knows is the story of a woman who returns back to her hometown in Spain with her children to attend her sisters wedding. Through a series of mysterious events, someone goes missing and secrets are spilled. Starring Hollywood’s favourite couple, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem.
Colette is yet another period piece starring Keira Knightley. It tells the story of a woman who is forced to write novels under her husband’s name, but fights to get the credit she deserves for his success.
The Man Who Stole Banksy is also NOT a VIFF special presentation, however it is a documentary that tells the true story of a Palestinian taxi driver who cut out a chunk of one of Banksy’s wall murals and put it up for sale.
This year’s closing gala is the Hugh Jackman biographical drama, The Front Runner. It tells the true story of Senator Gary Hart who got caught in a scandalous love affair during his 1988 presidential campaign.
In Robert Redford final film before his retirement, The Old Man & The Gun tells the true story of 70-year old Forrest Tucker’s escape from the San Quentin State Prison. It also stars Casey Affleck, Elisabeth Moss and Danny Glover.
Jonathan is another VIFF screening that is NOT a special presentation. It’s a science fiction story of a man who shares a body with his brother. Jonathan lives a normal life but when he goes to bed, his brother John wakes up and lives his own life during the night. The film stars Ansel Elgort and Suki Waterhouse.
A Private War tells the true story of Marie Colvin who fearlessly fights in the front lines of war zones and after a traumatic event, she finds her true calling; speaking for innocent people who get caught in crossfire. The film stars Rosamund Pike, Jamie Dornan and Stanley Tucci.
Hope you’re all able to catch some flicks at the festival this year! Let us know how they are 🙂
Author: Jordyn Rochwerg
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