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.

When she uncharacteristically auditions for a local musical production on a whim, Mona (Julianne Moore), a meek, middle-aged housewife with zero stage experience, is taken under the wing of Jerry (Paul Giamatti), the “biggest name in New Jersey community theatre.” As he works to shake her out of her self-conscious shell, questions arise about where vision ends — and sadism begins. Meanwhile, as Mona comes to fully inhabit her character, she grows increasingly untethered from reality.

In turns emotionally honest and utterly outlandish, the latest directorial effort from Jesse Eisenberg (who also supplied the tunes for the musical-within-the-movie) manages to both send up the self-importance that flourishes at the lower rungs of the theatre world, while genuinely celebrating the self-actualization that can occur under the spotlight’s glow. One of the year’s most biting satires, The Debut nevertheless boasts endless affection for its cast of misfits.

Friday, October 2
Doors 8:45 pm | Film 9:15 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.