The Vancouver International Film Festival is known for showcasing homegrown talent and this year the festival is presenting the largest collection of Canadian films in the country. Last night John and I attended the Canadian Images Gala and literally rubbed elbows with some great local film talents.

Canadian Images Programmer, Terry McEvoy,
Marv Newland, Eva Markvoort (65_redroses) – Photo: John Bollwitt

The gala was at Joey’s on Burrard where they served up delicious cocktails, canapes, and featured an oyster bar. The party was packed although we were still able to spot local celebs, film fest notables, and our pal Heather Watson.

Heather Watson & Me – Photo credit: John Bollwitt on Flickr

VIFF has programmed 89 Canadian films for 2009: 33 features (20 dramatic features, 13 nonfiction features), five mid-lengths, 50 shorts; selected from 641 submissions. Included in the line-up is the Opening Gala film A Shine of Rainbows, directed by BC’s Vic Sarin, and the Special Presentation film The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, a Vancouver-based production directed by Terry Gilliam. The Canadian Images programming strand is home to 83 of the domestic films. The remaining six are shown in other programming strands including Galas, Special Presentations, Follow the Money and The Way of Nature.

I already profiled some picks in another post but here are a few more films to check out at VIFF this year.

Also, try to check out the shorts program. Ever since Centigrade I have a fondness for short films. The shorts program is called Slippery Road and will play October 13th and 14th at Pacific Cinémathèque. It includes 9 short films including Short on Love directed by Josh Close.

You can read the rest online and be sure to scoop up your VIFF tickets before these screenings surely sell out.