This year, the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) shines a light on refugees and migration. The worldwide crisis is portrayed by directors from all around the globe. Here is a look at three films presented at the festival. The 2018 edition of the festival runs Sept. 27 to Oct. 12. Central Airport THF Director Karim…

  Literacy is a skill that opens the doors to opportunity for Canadians and increases their chances of success in the modern world. Organizations such as Decoda Literacy Solutions in Vancouver show their commitment to literacy and learning through their work in the community. Decoda Literacy Solutions was born on May 30, 2011 as a…

In the modern classroom, rote methods of learning have given way to more effective methods. When it comes to learning English as an Additional Language (EAL), two students at the University of British Columbia (UBC) demonstrate that, with creativity, there is more to gain than fluency in English. Natalia Balyasnikova and Harini Rajagopal are PhD…

According to local restaurateurs, there is much more to Latin American food than tacos, even in Vancouver. Two Vancouver chefs elaborate on the flavours of Brazilian and Peruvian food. Eliane Trovo, owner of Boteco Brasil, a Brazilian restaurant in Vancouver, says that Brazilian food is exceedingly undervalued on the international food scene. “A lot of…

Daphne Roubini of Black Gardenia brings her band’s blend of London jazz and Americana to Granville Island’s Canada Day celebrations, while John Welsh & Los Valientes share their combination World Music and Reggae at the Surrey Fusion Festival, and Iskwé aims to deliver a fully experiential trip-hop performance at the Vancouver Folk Festival. Black Gardenia…

Mens Sana in Corpore Sano. The Roman poet Juvenal argued that “a healthy mind in a healthy body” is the basis of human happiness. Playing a sport brings not only the physical rewards of a healthier body, but also a wealth of mental benefits. This philosophy is shared by players, coaches and team organizers across…

“We’re here for support and to make a difference,” says Muna Amir, one of the members of the Surrey Immigrant Advisory Roundtable (IAR). The IAR was formed by the Surrey Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) Committee in 2014 so the voices of immigrants would be heard by the City of Surrey. It is made up of…

Throughout May, the last month the cherry blossoms bloom, Vancouver will be the scene for the celebration of the 22nd Asian Heritage Month. The explorASIAN festival’s theme ”Pan-Asian Routes,” refers to the richness and diversity of Pan-Asian artists and communities, who will be showcasing more than 50 performances, shows and exhibits around Metro Vancouver. A…

  The Documentary Media Society is bringing back the DOXA Documentary Film Festival to Vancouver audiences for its 17th year. Running May 3–13, this curated and juried festival is a combination of public screenings, panel discussions, public forums and educational programs. Over 30 genres will be celebrated this year, including the Latin American genre featuring…

As society turns increasingly to online sources for news and entertainment, storytelling becomes more and more about creating digital content. Fortunately for local artists, Vancouver is a hub for digital creativity. From producers to social media specialists, here are some messages from the local talent. Pay attention to your audience and to social media “When…

Easter: a time of hopping bunnies and chocolate eggs? Not for the religious communities of Metro Vancouver, who are living it up towards the Holy Week at the end of March with a whole month of special religious services, culminating in the Easter celebration on the 1st of April. The Christian Easter period begins with…

The 2016 Census shows that just over 57,000 individuals in British Columbia, or roughly 1.25% of the population, speak French as their mother tongue. Yet, French language and culture is alive and well in B.C. According to data published last month by the B.C. government, students enrolled in French immersion programs increased by about 30%…

The 2018 Community Summit, Brave New Work, invites audiences to consider how society can be successful in a changing world (Feb. 26–Mar. 7). “This year’s Community Summit, Brave New Work, asks a critical question: ‘How can we thrive in the changing world of work?’” says Janet Webber, executive director at SFU Public Square, a community…