Vancouver Movie Fête

What is a fête?

A fête (pronounced “fate”) is a celebration or festive gathering. At VMF, it’s a celebration of cinema.

The Vancouver Movie Fête™ (VMF) brings a new cinematic event to Vancouver, Washington, with plans for more than 20 films screening at Regal Cinema City Center in its inaugural year. Inspired by Vancouver’s waterfront and located just blocks from the theater, VMF was never meant to be small—or to fly under the radar. We recognized the potential of Vancouver’s newly developed waterfront, its rapidly growing population, and its expanding cultural diversity. With longstanding connections to the entertainment industry through filmmaker friends, talent, and producers, establishing a major cinematic event in Vancouver was a natural next step. It was about more than creating “just another film festival.” We saw an opportunity to build a cinematic experience for everyone, recognizing that sometimes people simply want to sit back, escape into a story, and be entertained. That philosophy is at the heart of VMF and our guiding principle: “For Entertainment Purposes Only.”

We believe quality matters more than quantity, so we are opening submissions well in advance. Filmmakers with a completed project are welcome to submit early, but we also want to ensure those still in production have ample time to finish without unnecessary pressure. We believe this extended submission window will give everyone a fair opportunity to participate without feeling rushed or missing out. At VMF, we also recognize that exceptional storytelling and technical craftsmanship aren't defined by the year a movie was made. Some outstanding productions never get the exposure they deserve, and we believe they should still have a chance to reach an audience. That's why we welcome productions from earlier years, subject to eligibility requirements.

Our Next Gen category gives filmmakers ages 14–17 a place in the same program. Their selected films will screen alongside the other selections—not in a separate youth showcase—so they can see their work presented on a professional cinema screen.

VMF is taking a different approach to filmmaker Q&As. Sessions will be available via Zoom by RSVP, allowing filmmakers to connect with a broader audience while giving attendees the freedom to ask questions in a more relaxed setting. This format also offers a comfortable alternative for filmmakers who may not enjoy speaking in front of a large audience. Those who prefer face-to-face interaction can engage in person at the Opening Night Gala.

Our curriculum will feature accomplished entertainment industry professionals with substantial major motion picture credits, including experienced directors, producers, and special effects makeup artists whose work spans recognized studio productions and established industry projects.

Of course, there will be awards!

We look forward to your submissions!