Stories of land, culture, and adventure—shared in community.
This September, the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) is bringing Best of the Fest back to Haida Gwaii in partnership with local organizers, artists, and leaders. More than a film tour, this initiative is about mentorship, community connection, and celebrating stories that inspire and reflect the spirit of the islands.
About the Initiative
What to Expect
- Free screenings open to all with fundraising for local youth groups
- Locally curated film lineup blending Indigenous storytelling and adventure films
- Honorariums for participating artists, speakers, and collaborators
- Cultural performances to open each evening
Film Lineup
Stay tuned for the full program announcement. For now, here’s a sneak peek at what will be featured:
- Cannibal Giant – 9mins
- Black Eyes – 18mins
- Big Walls and Bedtime Stories – 23mins
- 50mins
Intermission
- Hello Beautiful – 14mins
- Still Rider – 9mins
- That One Friend – 9mins
- Winter Kooks – 16mins
- 48mins
Dates & Locations
Lights, community, action! In partnership with Haida Gwaii Recreation, the After School Arts Centre in Port Clements, and the Sandspit Community Society, the Film & Mentorship Initiative has returned to Haida Gwaii.
This summer, along with Haida Gwaii filmmaker Gaëtan Lamarre, we held a series of filmmaking workshops, exploring the connections between documentary production, Indigenous culture, and community connection.
The talented young filmmakers have directed and filmed two short films about indigenous identity, culture and place. They’re planning to have a trailer to be screened along with locally-curated VIMFF films this month at a series of free community events! They will then be bringing the completed films to VIMFF this fall!
- Daajing Giids: Thursday, September 24, 2026
- Masset: Friday, September 25, 2026
- Sandspit: Saturday, September 26, 2026
With Gratitude
This project is made possible with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the BC Arts Council, whose commitment to Indigenous arts and community storytelling is helping bring this vision to life.
The VIMFF Initiatives
VIMFF supports the local outdoor community with the following initiatives:
