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Description
Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) 2026 in Vancouver
February 27 – March 11, 2026 | Multiple Venues Across Metro Vancouver & Sea-to-Sky
Event Overview
The 29th Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) returns from February 27 to March 11, 2026, bringing an inspiring showcase of international adventure films, live presentations, workshops, and cultural programming to theatres across the Lower Mainland and Sea-to-Sky region. As one of Canada’s most respected outdoor film festivals, VIMFF transforms Vancouver into a hub for global storytelling rooted in nature, exploration, and human resilience.
Celebrating film, culture, and the outdoors, VIMFF 2026 presents a carefully curated lineup of documentaries and cinematic experiences that highlight extreme expeditions, environmental themes, mountain culture, and diverse human journeys from around the world. The festival attracts filmmakers, outdoor enthusiasts, creatives, and curious audiences who are passionate about adventure and meaningful storytelling.
Festival Dates & Format
In-Person Festival: February 27 – March 11, 2026
Online Streaming (Global Access): March 14 – April 11, 2026
Locations & Screening Venues
VIMFF 2026 expands across multiple iconic venues throughout Metro Vancouver, the North Shore, Coquitlam, Squamish, and the Sea-to-Sky corridor, including:
- Rio Theatre (Vancouver)
- The Cinematheque (Vancouver)
- Centennial Theatre (North Vancouver)
- Capilano University Theatre
- Kay Meek Arts Centre (West Vancouver)
- Evergreen Cultural Centre (Coquitlam)
- West Vancouver Cricket Club
- Howe Sound Brewing (Squamish)
- Eagle Eye Theatre (Squamish)
This multi-venue format allows audiences to experience the festival within different cultural and artistic spaces while exploring local communities connected to outdoor lifestyles.
What to Expect at VIMFF 2026
International Adventure Films & World Premieres
The 2026 edition will feature a dynamic collection of outdoor films and documentaries from across the globe, including eight films making their first-ever public screenings. From high-altitude expeditions and environmental storytelling to deeply personal narratives, the films are designed to inspire audiences and encourage a stronger connection with nature and exploration.
Each screening program presents a unique theme, offering audiences a diverse cinematic journey that blends adventure, culture, and environmental awareness.
Special Feature Presentations & Guest Speakers
One of the major highlights of VIMFF 2026 is “Extreme Ascents” at the Rio Theatre on March 7, featuring award-winning adventure filmmaker and mountaineer Elia Saikaly. Drawing from over two decades of Everest expeditions, the presentation explores mental resilience, triumph, and the realities of extreme environments through powerful visual storytelling.
Another key program, Women Mountaineers at The Cinematheque on March 2, celebrates the legacy and contributions of women in alpine history through film screenings and live discussions, highlighting endurance, ambition, and overlooked achievements in mountaineering culture.
Workshops & Educational Programming
VIMFF is not only a film festival but also a learning platform for creators, explorers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The 2026 workshop series offers immersive sessions led by experienced filmmakers, expedition leaders, and industry professionals.
Featured workshops include:
• AI and the Future of Adventure Storytelling (Capilano University)
• Documentary Filmmaking and Purpose Development
• Adventure Filmmaking in Unpredictable Environments
• Narrative Architecture in Adventure Media
• Wilderness Survival Training (West Vancouver Cricket Club)
• Expedition Planning with Canadian explorers
• Adventure Photography in Extreme Locations
• Bikepacking and outdoor gear workshops
These sessions combine hands-on learning, expert insights, and interactive discussions, making them valuable for filmmakers, photographers, storytellers, and outdoor adventurers.
Virtual Festival Experience
Following the in-person screenings, VIMFF Online will stream a curated selection of films worldwide from March 14 to April 11, 2026. This digital format allows audiences in Vancouver and beyond to watch festival films on demand, expanding accessibility and global engagement with mountain cinema and outdoor storytelling.
Community, Culture & Sustainability
Since its founding in 1998, the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival has grown from a small local event into a globally recognized cultural platform that promotes creativity, environmental awareness, and inclusive community engagement. The festival actively supports filmmakers, artists, and outdoor communities while encouraging sustainable practices and ecological responsibility.
VIMFF is also committed to collaborating with diverse communities, including Indigenous artists and filmmakers, while fostering meaningful conversations around environmental stewardship, climate awareness, and cultural storytelling.
Who Should Attend
• Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers
• Filmmakers and content creators
• Students and educators
• Environmental advocates
• Cultural and documentary film lovers
• Families and general audiences interested in inspiring stories
Why Visit VIMFF 2026
• Unique international adventure films and documentaries
• World premiere screenings and exclusive programs
• Live talks with filmmakers and explorers
• Hands-on workshops and creative learning sessions
• Multi-venue festival experience across Metro Vancouver
• Online streaming option for global viewers
VIMFF 2026 offers more than a film festival — it is a cultural celebration of adventure, creativity, and human connection to the natural world, making it a must-attend event for anyone seeking inspiration through powerful visual storytelling.
About the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival Society is dedicated to promoting appreciation of film, photography, and outdoor culture through festivals, exhibitions, and educational programming. With annual events, workshops, and global outreach initiatives, VIMFF continues to inspire audiences to explore, create, and engage with the world through authentic adventure storytelling.