Vancouver International Film Festival opens with world premieres and local talent

The Vancouver International Film Festival kicked off Friday, October 2, with dozens of filmmakers and talent on the opening day red carpet, launching a roster of world premieres and Canadian productions.

The Bryce Lee Story is generating significant buzz at the festival. Director Arnold Lim, who grew up in B.C., set the film on Vancouver Island. "It's a film about a little Asian boy named Bryce Lee who lies about being related to Bruce Lee just to fit in at school, and it asks the question: can you make other people love you?" Lim said. "We set the film here on Vancouver Island, and that's where I grew up. It's really about a young immigrant family that comes to a small community in B.C. B.C. is such a rich part of the film — there are so many layers where B.C. becomes a character in the film." The film marks the world premiere and features 10-year-old Cordelia Chao playing Mei Lee, Bryce's sister.

Send the Rain also makes its world premiere at VIFF this week. The intergenerational story explores love, connection, culture, and the wildfires. "It's a family story. I hope lots of families go to see our movie together," actor Erika Prevost said. Prevost made the film during her first proper time in Vancouver and said she's already plotting a move to the city. "You guys have the mountains and the city. It is the perfect place to me!"

Director Joella Cabalu, whose film First Comes Love: Nakabingwit is also screening, celebrated Vancouver's independent film community. "Vancouver has so much talent here, and we kind of get lost in the dust sometimes when it comes to Canadian cinema. I'm so proud to be in the Canadian community here, there's so much talent here."

Lim reflected on the festival's role in preserving Canadian cinema. "I feel so grateful to be part of this. This is a celebration of independent film and Canadian art, and all the films we see today are a part of that and preserve the history of Canadians."