The third annual Vancouver International Black Film Festival #VIBFF23, created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and co-presented by Global BC, has announced its program and events lineup happening December 1-4, 2023.
Vancouver International Black Film Festival
The Vancouver International Black Film Festival will have a hybrid model this year to amplify the voices of Afro-descendants in British Columbia and to foster accessibility across the country. The in-person screenings and events will take place at the VIFF Vancity Theatre and Studio Theatre.
Through films and various panels, this year’s festival is aimed at the public from all communities as it highlights the talent of creators from diverse backgrounds and makes room for them to reflect on the issues they face.
The opening night red-carpet event is Friday, December 1st at 7:00pm featuring Ellie Foumbi’s Our Father the Devil at the Vancity Theatre.
On Friday, December 1st, at 9:00pm, all films will be accessible online.
On Saturday, December 2nd the VIFF Vancity Theatre will host Fabienne Colas Foundation’s award-winning Being Black in Canada short film series, and the VIBFF Black Market where film and television industry professionals will share their thoughts and real-world experiences on today’s most critical filmmaking issues. View the full event schedule online here.
All Access Online Pass gives access to the entire online film program ($45 +fee/tax). All Access In-person Pass gives access to the entire in-person program ($39 + fee/tax). Single tickets for in-person film screenings are available for $12, and $20 for the Opening Night film. Purchase tickets and passes online here.
Win Tickets
I have two pairs of tickets to give away to the Being Black in Canada events on December 2nd so I’ll draw two winners! Here’s how you can enter to win:
This weekend Miss604 is proud to support the Take a Hike Foundation’s Homes for the Holidays event happening on Saturday and Sunday, along with the combined exhibition at the Roundhouse featuring recipients of the 2023 BC Achievement Foundation’s First Nations Art and Applied Art + Design awards. You can find these events and many more things to do in Vancouver this weekend listed below:
Bill Reid Gallery presents their latest mezzanine exhibition, 13 Moons Around the Lake, an exhibition curated by Nlaka’pamux artist Nadine Spence. This exhibition is part of a larger, multi-year project titled Honouring Our Grandmothers Healing Journey.
13 Moons Around the Lake at the Bill Reid Gallery
When: October 25, 2023 – January 28, 2024
Where: Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art (639 Hornby St, Vancouver)
Admission: Tickets can be purchased online or on site for $6-$13
Free admission on the first Friday of the month, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Free admission for Indigenous Peoples and Gallery Members
13 Moons Around the Lake celebrates and honours Indigenous grandmothers, family, the lands, the waters, and the salmon cycle in Southern British Columbia.
This exhibition will feature several designed bentwood chests, chest carrier platforms, Nlaka’pamux regalia, blankets, and other artworks by Indigenous artists from a variety of BC nations, which depict their own individual histories, stories, and healing journeys.
The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art is a public gallery nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver. It was named after acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid (1920–1998), a master goldsmith, carver, sculptor, writer, broadcaster, and spokesman. Since opening in May 2008, the Bill Reid Gallery has remained the only public gallery in Canada devoted to contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast, and is home to the Simon Fraser University Bill Reid Art Collection, as well as special exhibitions of contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast of North America.
The PNE Winter Fair features favourites from the summer transformed for winter, including holiday-themed food and beverages, a marketplace, and special performances.
PNE Winter Fair
Date: Decemeber 8 & 9, 14 to 23, 2023
Time: 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Location: PNE Grounds (2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver)
Admission: Purchase online (for a discount in advance) or at the door.
Indoor & Outdoor Activities
Sit back and experience the enchantment of Tchaikovsky’s timeless masterpiece with The Nutcracker on Ice, or catch the Magic of Santa Musical Stage Show. Embark on the ultimate journey to meet Santa Claus with Discover Santa. Solve puzzles, crack riddles, and take on challenges to get closer to Santa. Experience the incredible finale – a magical meeting with Santa Claus himself.
Take part in public ice-skating at the Tim Hortons Ice Rink on the pond at the historic Agrodome, which will be open to guests of all ages (skate rentals are available for $7). You can also glide seamlessly across the slipper surface with ice bumper carts!
Enjoy festive food and gifts at the Indoor Holiday Market. Shop a curated collection of BC’s most unique craft vendors and artisans inside the Pacific Coliseum. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the festive ambience of the Winter Chalet with talented musicians that fill the air with enchanting melodies from classic carols to modern hits.
Outside, celebrate the beauty of nature with the Festive of Living Trees; a whimsical display of living evergreen trees themed and adorned with lights and ornaments.
Ride through the PNE Winter Fair attractions on board the PNE Express Train and make sure to catch the Winterlights presented by BC Hydro that turn Hastings Park into an enchanted land full of glowing lights. Each night of the fair, watch Sparkle in The Night, when the winter lights come alive, synchronised flawlessly to a magical soundtrack.
Don’t forget to experience the rich flavours of the holiday season with the Outdoor Food and Beverage Festival. Whether you’re craving traditional favourites like roasted turkey with all the trimmings or seeking out international culinary delights. Quench your thirst with seasonal beverages like mulled wine and spiced cider. There will also be beloved Fair classics like mini donuts and hot dogs.
Follow Miss604Holidays this season for the latest arts and culture activities, attraction and event news »
The IndigE-Girl Comedy series brings their wildly popular stand-up comedy series to the Biltmore in Vancouver this month. The Airing of Grievances features a brilliant all-Indigenous cast of female and two-spirited comedians including Canada’s Drag Race Star, Chelazon Leroux.
IndigE-Girl Comedy Presents The Airing of Grievances
Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Time: 7:00pm and 9:00pm performances
Location: Biltmore Cabaret (2755 Prince Edward St, Vancouver)
Tickets: Available online now for both shows and the livestream.
The Indige-Girl Comedy series continues to skyrocket in popularity following six sold-out tour dates across Canada since the series debut in Toronto.
“Indigenous identity has too often been framed within the context of residential schools and colonialism. In this performance, our aim is to illuminate the enduring joy, laughter, and humour that have always enriched Indigenous culture,” says Debbie Courchene, the visionary behind IndigE-Girl Comedy and the driving force at Miskoway Productions.
“Our showcase is a bold step towards dismantling the barriers that have held back Indigenous comedians, allowing them to hone their comedic skills. Through a diverse blend of established, emerging, and up-and-coming talents, we aspire to cultivate a supportive community that empowers Indigenous women and the LGBTQA2S community to thrive in the world of comedy.”
In addition to the two Vancouver performances, the show will also be live-streamed to ensure audiences in remote communities across Canada and beyond can see these rising Indigenous stars perform their latest stand up comedy sets.
7:00pm Hosted by Debbie Courchene and featuring: Alana Obey; Wanda John; Inismi Luke; Teagyn Vallevand; Kaitlynn Brightnose; and JB The First Lady.
9:00pm Hosted by Savannah Erasmus and featuring: Ticia Acks; Brenda Prince; Issa Kixen; Meg MacKay; Dakota Ray Hebert; and Chelazon Leroux.
This performance is for an age 19+ audience. Parental discretion is advised for the livestream.
Win Tickets
I have a pair of tickets to give away to the 9:00pm show on November 28th. Here’s how you can enter to win:
