VIMFF connects our global outdoor community with international filmmakers, creators and speakers to inspire, entertain and introduce our viewers to mountain adventure. We offer mountain film screenings, live multimedia content, photography exhibitions, workshops, seminars and other special events. In March our first annual 3 day festival and in June we will bring the community together again with outdoor screenings. Throughout the year, we offer several monthly online shows that feature a series of adventurous films that inspire our viewers to reach new heights.
We invite you to join us throughout the year. We will announce new screenings and shows on our website and look forward to connecting with you live and virtually!
Animés par une passion pour le cinéma, la culture et les activités de plein air, le Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) cherche à faire progresser l’appréciation des films et de la réalisation de films tout en inspirant, informant et éduquant le public dans ces domaines.
The VIMFF achieves its goal by producing film festivals and photo exhibitions, and providing a forum for filmmakers and photographers to showcase and discuss their work. Its instructional seminars on filmmaking, filmmaking, and photography provide additional training for those looking to develop their skills.
We present unique outdoor films and content that illustrate experiences and cultures from all corners of the world, bringing communities together to promote positive values and active lifestyles.
The VIMFF aligns with the philosophy of the municipalities of North Vancouver to promote, both locally and internationally, the natural beauty of North Vancouver, a place where nature and culture meet.
With the recent global pandemic, we have adapted our shows to a virtual setting, allowing us to connect with audiences at home while increasing our reach around the world. We have expanded our programming to provide regular online content throughout the year and aim to bring inspiration and entertainment to our viewers.
Values
Community, inspiration, adventure, authenticity, sustainability, creativity.
Vision
To inspire adventurous thoughts and actions for the good of people and the planet.
Celebrating outdoor adventure and mountain culture through film, photography, presentations and workshops.
The VIMFF brings communities together and creates a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences between filmmakers, artists, outdoor enthusiasts and the public.
The VIMFF is committed to improving the festival's sustainability practices to reduce its environmental footprint. The organization recognizes the real threat of habitat degradation and climate destruction.
In 2020, VIMFF established a Board-level Sustainability Committee to establish a baseline and set strategic goals. Improvements will be made in areas such as procurement, printing, travel and local transportation, waste management, food and beverage selection and service, and venue considerations, such as convenience of location and power consumption. The VIMFF will continue to program high-impact environmental content.
The Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival was established in 1998 and held its first 3-day festival in February of the same year. A total of approximately 1,700 people attended these first events at the Centennial Theater in North Vancouver.
In 1999, the festival expanded with the addition of some non-cinematic events such as a rock climbing competition and slideshows, and total attendance grew to 3,000 people. In 2000, the festival grew considerably to reach a total attendance of over 6,400 spectators and, in 2001, 8,000 spectators. The Festival continued to add shows in its main venue (Centennial Theater in North Vancouver) and in new venues (North Vancouver Public Library, Pacific Cinematheque, MacMillan Space Centre, Ridge Theatre). Thanks to these new shows, the diversity of the programming has also increased, offering more films and presenters whose subjects relate to environmental issues, mountain culture and adventure travel.
New events have been created, including the VIMFF World Tour and the VIMFF Fall Series. The World Tour features award-winning films from around the world, over 50 locations across Canada and around the world. The VIMFF launched the fall series in 2008, designed as a mini-festival featuring selected speakers and films. This event takes place every year in November and features several shows. Due to its success, we have added it to the annual VIMFF calendar. In 2021, we are adding several monthly online shows with a series of adventure films.
Since 1998, the VIMFF has grown from a three-day event at one venue with an audience of 1,700 to a series of events held throughout the year, including a 10-day festival in February, a second festival in November and several monthly online shows throughout the year. Our programming includes live presentations, films, photographs and international film and photo competitions. Our reach has expanded globally and the combined festival events now attract over 24,000+ annual viewers worldwide. In the spring of 2020, we adapted and modified our programming to offer regular virtual shows that allow our viewers to enjoy our award-winning films from the comfort of their homes. In the coming months, the VIMFF will host a new festival in Belgium.