January 7th, 2019 – Victoria, BC – Victoria Film Festival (VFF)

The Victoria Film Festival opens 25th edition with French comedy Sink or Swim

Ten-day fest unspools with more films, new Nordic program, interactive VFF guide

The Victoria Film Festival dives into its 25th anniversary Feb. 1 with French director Gilles Lellouche’s comedy Sink or Swim (Le grand bain), about a group of 40-something guys out to keep their mojo afloat by trying synchronized swimming.

Then break out your boogie shoes and hustle to Studio 25, VFF’s disco-themed opening-night Gala.

VFF runs Feb. 1-10, with an expanded film slate spotlighting record number of 156 films from Canada and around the world, selected by international programmers.

Highlights of VFF 25 include:

• • The biggest film program in years, including international award winners and the world premiere of Vancouver filmmaker John Bolton’s That Higher Level, which follows 100 musicians out to make their marks in the  National Youth Orchestra of Canada.
  • In Conversation with Smoke Signals: Director Chris Eyre and stars Evan Adams and Tantoo Cardinal discuss the award-winning 1998 film’s Indigenous filmmaking legacy. And we’re always proud to say, it had its Canadian premiere at VIFF!
  • State of Play: Eight films and video installations curated by Gina Luka to mark VIFF’s 25th anniversary.
  • New for 2019, choose from a trio of program guides, including an environmentally friendly interactive version. There’s a 25th anniversary program for $3 or a free, foldable program.
  • Got a thing for Icelandic films? Think Danish movies are, well, great? You’ll warm to the new Nordic program.

Shining brighter than a flatbed full of disco balls, the 25th Victoria Film Festival kicks off Feb. 1.

About the Victoria Film Festival

The Victoria Film Festival is Vancouver Island’s largest and longest-running film festival, currently celebrating 25 years. The Victoria Film Festival screens more than 156 films over 10 days. Creating unique events year-round, the Festival is responsible for Feast: Food + Film, Free-B Film Festival, Art of the Cocktail, Movies Under the Maltworks and The Vic Theatre.

Media Contact: Kinga Binkowska | Communications Coordinator | 250 389-0444 | communications@victoriafilmfestival.com