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A Bit of Light: VIFF 2026

The Vancouver International Film Festival returns for their 45th year this October 1-11 for another curated season celebrating the best in independent, Canadian, documentary, and international shorts and features.


North American Premiere

Set in contemporary Iran, A Bit of Light tells the story of a doctor arrested for secretly treating injured protestors. Following the closure of his practice, and with his faith in the future shattered, he decides to take his own life. Determined there is no way forward, he visits his siblings and mother, intending to say goodbye — but things do not go as planned. Encountering affection, concern, and companionship in the presence of his family, the certainty of his decision slowly begins to crumble.

A Bit of Light ultimately asks what might reconnect a person to life when faith in institutions and the future has been exhausted. Throughout his filmography, Ali Asghari has explored individuals caught between personal vulnerability and the pressures of social and institutional structures, and it’s remarkable to witness how beautifully and effortlessly he renders his protagonist’s internal conflict.

Thursday, October 8
Doors 3:30 pm | Film 4:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.

Tickets HERE


For detailed Vancouver International Film Fest information, including current showtimes and advance ticketing, please re-direct to www.viff.org.

All ticketing for VIFF events are managed by VIFF. If you have any questions about ticketing and availability, please connect with them directly. The Park Theatre will be unable to provide any ticketing info or purchasing assistance.

Unless otherwise noted, all VIFF screenings and events at the Park Theatre are 19+ only. Please have valid ID with you upon arrival.

VIFF screenings at the Park Theatre will be busy! All seating is General Admission. We encourage all patrons to purchase tickets in advance to ensure entry, and to please come early (20-30 mins at least) to ensure time to locate great seats and purchase drinks and snacks at concession. The Park Theatre has a small lobby, and coming early helps prevent long lines and bottle-necking.

Please note: Park Theatre Groupons and passes are n/a for any VIFF events.


VIFF thanks the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations for their continued stewardship of the unceded and occupied land on which our work takes place. As an organization founded and predominantly directed by settlers and immigrants, we understand our responsibility to seek out and build authentic relationships with Indigenous communities, and to allow this ongoing dialogue to influence our practices. As part of this process, we remain committed to collaborating with and supporting Indigenous artists, filmmakers, curators, and audiences.

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After being arrested and having his medical practice shut down, an Iranian doctor loses faith in the future and resolves to end his life - but one final day among his family begins to unsettle his decision.

Release Year

Rated

Canada, Iran, Italy, Switzerland, Turkey

Country Of Origin

Ali Asgari

Director

فارسی

Languages

87 minutes

Runtime