Vancouver, BC – written October 9th, 2024 – The Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) 2024 has been a dazzling celebration of cinema, culture, and creativity, bringing filmmakers, stars, and film enthusiasts together in the heart of Vancouver. Among the festival’s many highlights were three unforgettable red carpet events that added extra glamour and excitement to this year’s edition. From local talents to international legends, here’s a closer look at the star-studded gatherings that lit up the VIFF red carpet this year.
1. Opening Night with Ari’s Theme – A Memorable Start at the Vancouver Playhouse
The festival kicked off in style with the red carpet premiere of Ari’s Theme at the Vancouver Playhouse. The opening night is always a special occasion, but this year, the buzz was palpable as the city gathered to celebrate this highly anticipated film. The Vancouver Playhouse, with its classic architecture, provided the perfect backdrop for the glamorous evening.
The cast and crew of Ari’s Theme were greeted by a wave of fans and media, eager to catch a glimpse of the stars as they arrived on the red carpet. The film’s director, known for their unique storytelling style, shared their excitement about presenting their work at such a prestigious event. The lead actors, stopped for interviews, sharing insights about the making of the film and their characters’ journeys. The night set a high bar for the rest of the festival, marking a warm and celebratory beginning to VIFF 2024.
The Opening Night of VIFF also concluded with an amazing party at the Vancouver Club downtown Vancouver.
2. The Tragically Hip on the Red Carpet at the Vancouver Playhouse
The energy at the Vancouver Playhouse reached new heights with the red carpet event featuring the legendary Canadian rock band, The Tragically Hip. As part of VIFF 2024, the band arrived to celebrate a special tribute film that captures their remarkable career and the deep connection they share with their fans across Canada.
In celebration of The Tragically Hip’s 40th anniversary, the quintessential Canadian band receives a deserved tribute in a docuseries helmed by Mike Downie, brother of the band’s late frontman Gord Downie. VIFF was honoured to have Mike and The Tragically Hip – Rob Baker, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, and Gord Sinclair – join everyone for this special evening as they shared the first two episodes of this definitive series, a love story between a band and the country they call home.
Drawing from archival and personal footage and featuring previously unseen performances, unreleased music, and unprecedented access to The Hip, No Dress Rehearsal is far from hagiographic. Instead, the series candidly and compellingly documents four decades of hits and misses, friendship and frustration, triumph and tragedy. Generous and unguarded, The Hip proves themselves to truly be a band of brothers. And they’re every bit as captivating onscreen as they were onstage.
Fans of all ages lined up outside the venue, holding signs and wearing band T-shirts, eager to catch a moment with their idols. The Tragically Hip, known for their poetic lyrics and impactful music, were greeted like hometown heroes, reflecting the strong emotional bond they share with the Canadian public.
Members of the band shared heartfelt memories of their musical journey and spoke about the importance of this film in preserving their legacy.
Paul Langois, The Tragically Hip Guitarist, Gord Sinclair, the Tragically Hip Basist, Johnny Fay, The Tragically Hip Drummer, Rob Baker, The Tragically Hip Lead Guitarist, Jake Gold, Executive Producer, Gord Downie, Director, Curtis Woloschuk, Programm Director of VIFF
The evening was filled with nostalgia and admiration, as the film celebrated the band’s contributions to Canadian culture and music. It was a night of emotional tributes, making the red carpet event not only a celebration of the film but also a moment of unity and shared memories for everyone in attendance.
3. A. R. Rahman Takes the Stage at the Orpheum
The grand finale of VIFF 2024’s red carpet events took place at the Orpheum, where the legendary composer A. R. Rahman graced the red carpet. Rahman, globally renowned for his work on the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire and 127 Hours, brought an international flair to the festival.
The Orpheum’s stunning interior, with its ornate design and historic charm, provided a fitting venue for such a prestigious guest. Fans gathered outside the venue, some with copies of Rahman’s albums in hand, hoping for an autograph from the maestro.
Dressed in a classic yet elegant ensemble, A. R. Rahman shared his thoughts on the power of music in cinema and his passion for creating scores that resonate with audiences around the world.
The evening was filled with excitement and admiration for Rahman’s incredible body of work, as he mingled with fans, filmmakers, and fellow artists. Inside the Orpheum, the celebration continued with special performances and a screening that highlighted his unique contributions to the world of music and film.
A marquee event of VIFF and a highlight of the VSO season, An Evening with A.R. Rahman shared his life’s journey with fans through a new and custom-made presentation that blends storytelling and song. The legendary artist will invite audiences behind the scenes of his greatest works, sharing insights into his process and stories from his remarkable career. He will also perform segments of his scores live with the VSO, with clips from the fan-favourite films projected on the Orpheum’s big screen.
A Festival to Remember
VIFF 2024’s red carpet events were a true celebration of artistry, bringing together diverse voices and talents from around the world. Each event, from the intimate charm of the Vancouver Playhouse to the grandeur of the Orpheum, offered a unique glimpse into the magic of cinema and the passion of those who create it. As the festival continues, these unforgettable red carpet moments will surely remain a highlight, reminding us all of the power of storytelling and the joy of coming together to celebrate it.
That’s a Wrap! A Message from the organizers of VIFF 2024
The 43rd Vancouver International Film Festival (Sept 26 – Oct 6, 2024) welcomed enthusiastic film fans, filmmakers and industry folks to 11 days of stellar cinema, live performances, talks, conferences and other unique events celebrating film and film culture.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our audiences, filmmakers, volunteers and everyone who joined us for yet another exceptional celebration of Canadian, Indigenous, and International cinema. Your enthusiasm and support are the lifeblood of our festival, and it’s your passion for film that makes VIFF an annual highlight for our community.
We look forward to welcoming you all to VIFF 2025.