World Premiere
Ernest (Simon Farrell) is a wayward twentysomething living in Vancouver. Stuck in a rut after a breakup and grieving a recent family tragedy, he does whatever he can to avoid reconnecting with his family. He visits his dealer, who is concerned he’s self-medicating. His sister drops in, begging him to call his mom. Then, while hiking, he meets Mallory (Madison Isolina), who persuades him to join her group, led by a spiritual leader who claims to hear sounds from the Earth. A cult in the Pacific Northwest makes for a great place to hide from your problems, but as the seasons change, Ernest finds space within himself to heal.
The need for connection and a sense of place takes centre stage in Brian Daniel Johnson’s debut feature — a sprawling character study that unfolds over a year. Vancouver plays itself, lensed with warmth and familiarity by Andriy Lyskov, in a story that should be relatable to anyone who has felt lost and alone in the city.
Oct 9 & 12: Q&A
Presented by
Media Partner
Simon Farrell, Madison Isolina, Adriana Marchand, Liam McCulley
Canada
2025
English
Book Tickets
Credits & Director
Executive Producer
Mike Johnston
Producer
Maddy Chang, Dide Su Bilgin
Screenwriter
Brian Daniel Johnson
Cinematography
Andriy Lyskov
Editor
Sam Mohseni
Production Design
Clara Salameh
Original Music
Zachary Treble
Brian Daniel Johnson
Brian Daniel Johnson is a writer and director based in North America. He is known for his music video work with Vancouver artist Haley Blais, as well as his short films After Dinner (2020) and Side Walks (2022), the latter of which received a healthy festival run and a nomination for the Best of BC award at the Chilliwack Independent Film Festival. In addition to his directorial work, Johnson is a film editor and short story writer. A Welcome Distraction (2025) is Brian’s debut feature, which he made alongside his beloved team of collaborators.
Filmography: Visiting Hours (2019); After Dinner (2020); Side Walks (2022)
Missing VIFF? Check out what's playing at the VIFF Centre
The Secret in Their Eyes
This month's Talking Pictures screening is a multi-layered, poignant thriller interweaving the personal lives of a prosecution investigator (Ricardo Darin) and a judge, with a manhunt spanning twenty-five years. Stay for cookies, coffee and a chat after!
American Doctor
One of the most powerful documentaries of the year, this puts us smack in the open wound that is Gaza, filtered through the eyes of three American surgeons (of Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian backgrounds) compelled to do their utmost to alleviate harm.
