Check Accessibility

Hearing Assistance

All VIFF venues are outfitted with a hearing assistance system. A signal is fed directly from our audio system into supplied headsets. The device user can adjust the volume to suit their needs. Please check in with venue staff or volunteers to obtain a headset.

Closed Captions

Closed caption devices are available for a limited number of screenings. For venues with devices, these fit into a cupholder and can be adjusted for the user’s comfort. Please check the website for screenings with closed captions. Please check in with venue staff or volunteers to obtain a device.

Open Captions

Open captions are similar to subtitles and display dialogue and sound descriptions onscreen in text throughout the film. Film screenings featuring open captioning are designated with a “Open Captioning” on the film page. Please check the website for screenings with open captions.

Descriptive Video

Descriptive Video headsets are available for a limited number of screenings. For venues with devices, the headsets enable the user to adjust the volume of the video description audio as well as have a separate volume control for the film audio itself. Please check the website for screenings with descriptive video.

Relaxed Screenings

Relaxed Screenings are open to anyone who could benefit from a more casual, supportive and laid-back experience. This includes parents with small children, people with sensory and/or processing disabilities, people who identify as Neurodivergent, people with disabilities, and more. Reduced sound levels and less patrons make this a good introductory experience for first-time cinemagoers. Please check the website for a list of Relaxed Screenings.

Presented by

Lobby Tickets

If you are a ticketholder or passholder with an access need that limit your ability to stand in lineups:

As a passholder: You may request an advance Lobby Pass for yourself and a companion when purchasing your Festival Pass online or in person. Your Lobby Pass can be kept and used throughout the festival.

As a ticketholder: You can request a Lobby Pass at the box office for yourself and a companion at the following venues:

• Alliance Française

• Fifth Avenue Cinemas

• International Village

• Lindsay Family Stage at Granville Island

• Park Theatre

• SFU Goldcorp Centre for the Arts

• The Cinematheque

• The Rio

• Vancouver Playhouse

• VIFF Centre

A lobby pass, when shown along with a screening ticket, provides access to a seated waiting area inside the lobby prior to doors opening. A companion may also accompany the ticketholder as long as they also have a screening ticket. No documentation or disclosure of personal information is required to receive a Lobby Pass. Space is limited and varies by venue; please follow the direction of our Front of House staff upon arrival.

Courtesy Chairs

There are courtesy chairs available to anyone who would prefer one at each of our venues during line ups. You can ask any of the volunteers to provide one at any time.

Service Animals

Service dogs are welcome in our venues. If your service animal requires water, please let a volunteer know.

In partnership with