Vancouver Queer Film Festival 2026 Sets "A Seat at the Table"
The 38th annual Vancouver Queer Film Festival (VQFF) returns this fall, running in-person from September 10 to 20 across local theatres, followed by an online streaming programme from September 21 to 27. Presented by Out On Screen, this year's festival features 87 films from around the globe centered on the overarching theme, “A Seat at the Table”. Inspired by visual artwork from local Black queer artists Odera Igbokwe and Tolu Ayoka, the 2026 programming focuses on belonging, shared community space, and collective liberation.
Key Highlights and Screenings
Opening Presentation: The festival begins on September 10 with Ecosystems, Not Empires, a collection of seven short films centered on care, kinship, and queer futures. The showcase features Kiloran Bay, starring Alan Cumming.
Centrepiece Presentation: On September 17, the festival presents Apolo, a Brazilian documentary following trans couple Ísis Broken and Lourenzo Gabriel through an unexpected pregnancy, followed by an in-person director Q&A.
Closing Presentation: The in-person schedule concludes on September 19 with Gugu's World, a Brazilian feature detailing a young queer boy quietly caring for his grandmother through early-stage Alzheimer's while holding onto his personal dreams.
The Coast Is Queer: Returning for its 26th year, this dedicated showcase spotlights local 2SLGBTQIA+ filmmakers from British Columbia. B.C. selections include Jess McLeod’s short She's Nonbinary, alongside world premieres for Mascott, Mirth Control AKA “Faking It”, and I Do.
Program Details & Attendance
Dates: September 10–20 (In-Person at various venues including Vancouver Playhouse and Emily Carr University Reliance Theatre); September 21–27 (Online).
Lineup: 87 feature and short films, including 9 world premieres, 5 international premieres, 8 North American premieres, and 25 Canadian premieres.
Additional Events: The festival schedule includes filmmaker Q&A sessions, workshops, panel discussions, and community gatherings.
Access & Tickets: Ticket options start at $7, with festival passes and single tickets available through the official Out On Screen portal.
TICKETS AND PROGRAMME