Vancouver Island Short Film Festival 2025

Three Days That Will Change Your Perspective

You’ve heard whispers of a cinematic secret that only Nanaimo insiders know. Each spring, the city transforms into a nexus of suspense and revelation—where every short film is a mystery waiting to be solved. From May 1 to 3, 2025, the 20th Annual Vancouver Island Short Film Festival (VISFF) unfolds at the historic Malaspina Theatre, promising unexpected twists in comedy, horror, animation and beyond. Read on—and discover how to unlock the full festival experience.

more

less

more

less

Event Highlights

20th Anniversary Showcase (May 1)

A special gala of past Goldie winners and premieres

Shorts Program 1 (May 2)

Global narratives from Hungary, Iran, Canada and more

Youth Showcase (May 3, 1 p.m.)

Fresh voices directed by filmmakers under 18

Shorts Program 2 (May 3)

Final evening of local BC shorts and international gems

Live & Online

All screenings at Malaspina Theatre (900 Fifth St, Nanaimo) plus live‑streaming option

Date & Venue

When: May 1–3, 2025
Where: Malaspina Theatre, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5
Facilities: 290‑seat theatre with accessible seating, professional projection/sound, lobby bar and concessions
Getting There: Five‑minute walk from the downtown ferry terminal; on‑site VIU parking and nearby public lots

Program Lineup

Date	Details
Thursday, May 1 – 20th Anniversary Showcase	“Suspend Your Disbelief,” “Android 207,” “Crazy Love” and more celebrated shorts
Friday, May 2 – Shorts Program 1	“Répercuté” (ON), “Shoes and Hooves” (Hungary), “Holy Heavêness” (Iran) and a tapestry of global storytelling
Saturday, May 3	• 1 p.m.: Youth Showcase – “Tin God,” “A Twilight Heist” and 15 other emerging‑artist films • Evening: Shorts Program 2 – “Tiny” (BC), “Zoé” (QC), “Lichtblick” (Germany) and more

Date

Details

Thursday, May 1 – 20th Anniversary Showcase

“Suspend Your Disbelief,” “Android 207,” “Crazy Love” and more celebrated shorts

Friday, May 2 – Shorts Program 1

“Répercuté” (ON), “Shoes and Hooves” (Hungary), “Holy Heavêness” (Iran) and a tapestry of global storytelling

Saturday, May 3

• 1 p.m.: Youth Showcase – “Tin God,” “A Twilight Heist” and 15 other emerging‑artist films • Evening: Shorts Program 2 – “Tiny” (BC), “Zoé” (QC), “Lichtblick” (Germany) and more

What to Bring

Food & Drink

Accessibility

Health & Safety

Contact

For inquiries, visit www.visff.com

Don’t miss this milestone 20th edition of VISFF—where each short film offers a new perspective. Book your Festival Pass or individual tickets today, plan your stay in Nanaimo, and prepare for three days of unforgettable short‑form cinema. See you at the Malaspina Theatre, May 1–3, 2025!

more

less