Now in it’s third year, OFF-VIFF is a new platform for underground cinema in Vancouver, BC.

Co-Founded by Vancouver-based filmmaker Arran Shearing, the festival launched in 2024 with the North American premiere of Shearing’s co-directed feature, KING BABY after being rejected by VIFF. Understanding he didn’t need the festival to play local films in local cinemas, Arran teamed up with his pals at STUPID CO to create his own premiere event, setting off a chain of events that lead to the ever growing OFF-VIFF. The aim was and is to have a festival for the people by the people, that spotlights bold new work from Vancouver, BC, and beyond.

Starting at just the Rio Theatre in Vancouver, OFF-VIFF has now expanded to partner with multiple local venues such as CineWorks and the East Van Vodville Cinema, also known as the Little Free Cinema, to support a range of Canadian and International feature and short films.