Swiss Filmmaker’s Journey from Journalism to Documentary

Hildegard Knef Image

Vancouver/Köln on Zoom – Swiss-born documentary filmmaker Luzia Schmid, now based in Cologne, Germany, discusses her transition from news journalism to filmmaking, her acclaimed works including “Drei Frauen im Krieg” (Three Women at War) and “Hildegard,” and her personal exploration of tax havens in “Ost of Demisitze.” In this wide-ranging conversation, Schmid reflects on the

Ballet Returns to Vancouver’s Stage

Photo Credit David Cooper; Ballet Vancouver

While Vancouver boasts the renowned Ballet BC, the city has lacked access to professional classical ballet performed en pointe. Now, internationally acclaimed choreographer Joshua Beamish is launching Ballet Vancouver Performance Series, filling this specific void that has left classical ballet enthusiasts traveling elsewhere for traditional pointe work and narrative ballets. The announcement marks a homecoming

VIFF 2025 Unveils Films, Programmers, Passes

Tragically Hip at VIFF 2024

VANCOUVER, BC (AUGUST 6, 2025) – The 44th Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF), running October 2–12, 2025, has unveiled six official selections, new programming team members, and festival pass details, setting the stage for an exhilarating cinematic celebration. On August 7, VIFF Members’ Early Bird Day grants members advance ticket access, with regular passes, ticket

The Lost Voice: Rediscovering Pola Brückner

Christina Rose shooting a documentary in the jungle.

Award-Winning Filmmaker Christina Rose Nears Completion of The Lost Voice, a Documentary on Amazon Pioneer Pola Brückner Rediscovering a Forgotten Female Filmmaker—and the Hidden History of the Amazon Los Angeles / Zugspitze Region / Brazil — July 26, 2025 — Westcoast German News readers will be intrigued to learn that award-winning filmmaker Christina Rose is

Interview with Janine Schroedter

Janine Schroedter Website Information

Background: Janine Schroedter is an artist participating in the 5th Annual Eastside Arts Festival, which takes place across Vancouver’s Eastside Arts District from July 18-27. This year’s festival includes art-making workshops, guided walking tours, co-presentations, and a free outdoor event at MacLean Park. Janine will be hosting a linocut print workshop at Superflux Beer Company

Theatre Review: Charlie and the Chocolate Factors at TUTS in Stanley Park

Willy Wonka and the Five Kids/Parents Touring the Factory

By Elke Porter | Westcoast German News | July 4, 2025Join me as a journalist on WBN Digital – being a Writer is FREE! Last night, my 19-year-old daughter and I attended the opening night of Theatre Under the Stars’ production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the beautiful Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park.

Celebrate 55 years of Early Music Vancouver with Bach & Mozart:

Chloe Kim (horizontal). Photo by Curtis Perry.

BACH & MOZART: In Endless Ascent Bridges Centuries and Cultures Through Music This summer, Early Music Vancouver (EMV) invites audiences to soar skyward with its 55th annual summer festival, BACH & MOZART: In Endless Ascent, running from July 26 to August 8, 2025, at various venues across Vancouver. A celebration of the intricate connection between

Explore Nature in German at UBC

UN Day of Diversity

By Elke Porter | German Canadian News & Events | May 19, 2025 In honour of the UN Day of Cultural Diversity, UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden invite the public to a special evening of multilingual tours, including an immersive experience in German. This one-of-a-kind event celebrates both biodiversity and linguistic diversity, offering

Vancouver Opera’s Artistic Director Discusses New Project Sophia’s Forest

Sophia's Forest

By Elke Porter, Founder of Westcoast German News and Arts Blogger City Opera Vancouver Artistic Director Gordon Gerrard spoke virtually via Zoom with Elke Porter, the founder and blogger of Westcoast German News. During their conversation, they discussed various topics related to Vancouver City Opera, including its programming focus and recent projects. They also talked

Gerrard Leads Canadian Premiere of Sophia’s Forest

Sophia's Forest Vancouver City Opera

Elke Porter | Westcoast German News Media & WBN News Journalist | May 1, 2025 Artistic Director Gordon Gerrard is poised to lead one of COV’s most ambitious productions yet: the Canadian premiere of Sophia’s Forest, by composer Lembit Beecher and celebrated Canadian playwright Hannah Moscovitch. Running May 29–31, 2025 at 7:30pm and June 1