Many films beings screened at VIFF have been acclaimed at other festivals, but there are plenty of first-run gems worth checking out. "Control Alt Delete," by Canadian filmmaker Cameron Labine, illustrates the life of a computer nerd after being dumped by his true love. Instead of moving on with his life, he does the opposite, and becomes addicted to Internet porn before beginning a relationship with the computer itself.
There's also "Passage," by John Walker. His film takes the viewer on an adventure to determine who truly discovered the Northwest Passage, a discovery long covered-up by the British.
Where to Stay:
Obviously you'll need a good place to crash after you've filled yourself to the brim with the day's events. The Listel Hotel is going to be your best bet, especially with the Celluloid in the City package in honor of the festival. You'll get two nights in the hotel, which is only blocks away from the festivals venues as well as the water.
For you and a friend there will also be two-day passes to the festival good for unlimited admission, two festival guides, breakfast each morning and a boxed lunch to sneak into the theaters. Rates for the festival weekends start at C$599 ($559).
Where to Eat:
If you've had enough of your brown bag lunch from the hotel, then try The Cannery, right on the water, to get your fill of seafood. The restaurant has been around for 35 years, but is changing its digs in 2010, as the city is kicking it out of its current location in the port. Wild salmon, Alaskan black cod and West Coast scallops are just some of the specialties from executive chef Wayne Sych. The restaurant even has its own dock, so if you're sailing into the festival, call ahead for a spot to drop anchor.
Where to Learn:
Vancouver is on the water, in case you weren't paying attention, so where better to end the festival than with a trip to Vancouver Aquarium? The aquarium is the largest in the country and features the usual assortment of undersea critters and marine mammals.
Special programs will even let you get a little closer to Beluga Whales or Pacific Dolphins. The aquarium's newest exhibit welcomes the ribboned seadragon, a native of the deep waters off Australia.
If you're looking for a bit more action, there's always hockey: The Canucks kick off their season on October 9.
Related Stories:
· Vancouver International Film Festival [Official Site]
· The Listel Hotel [Official Site]
· The Cannery [Official Site]
· Vancouver Aquarium [Official Site]
· Film Festivals coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo of the 2007 festival: Eric Eggertson]
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