Without a Smile

Mona, an Iranian in Canada, can’t stop smiling during the photo session, mocking Iran’s strict passport photo rules.

Nina Zarabi

Nina Zarabi is a Vancouver-based filmmaker and a graduate of Langara College’ Film Writing and Directing program. Originally from Iran, she developed her craft through prestigious film schools and workshops, creating short films that have screened at notable festivals. Now, she continues to push her storytelling forward, pursuing innovative projects and collaborations that reflect her evolving creative vision.

Presented as Part Of PROGRAM #3 – BE BRAVE – WESTCOAST TALES

Give Me Love

A young man confronts inherited ideals of masculinity as tensions erupt between him and those shaped by a worl...

7 min | William Yao, Andrew Ha (Choreographer) | English

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Hatch

After losing his mother during their escape, a young Afghan refugee boy searches for a way to relive their fin...

11 min | Alireza Kazemipour, Panta Mosleh | English, Arabic

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FOREIGNER

In the age of low-rise jeans and flip phones, a Persian teen trying to fit in with her new Canadian clique dye...

82 min | Ava Maria Safai | English, Farsi

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Credits

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Festival passes

This year, VAFF FESTIVAL, screening programs in person and virtual will be organized into various series in order to better highlight the diverse content in our festival. These Series include Spotlight Series, Documentary Features Series, Narrative Features Series, Westcoast Shorts Series, Canadian Shorts Series, International Short Series, Animation Series, VAFF Industry Insight Series and Special Events.

Without a Smile

Presented as Part Of PROGRAM #3 – BE BRAVE – WESTCOAST TALES

Give Me Love

Hatch

FOREIGNER

Festival passes

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