Vancouver Foreign, Documentary and Independent Cinema Group

The Canadian 'Our Ocean Film Fest 2026' Short Docs

Fri, Oct 2 · 6:30 PM PDT

Centennial Theatre, 2300 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC, CA

The Canadian 'Our Ocean Film Festival' is happening Oct 2!

Our Ocean Film Fest is a fresh, proudly Canadian festival brimming with stories, people & places that shape our connection to the ocean.
Here on the Pacific, the ocean is a core part of who we are! Filmmakers, researchers, Indigenous leaders & conservation groups will share their stories in the films & short talks, about the beauty & challenges of marine life, from BC's kelp forests to waters around the world.

8 cool short docs will be shown: https://www.ouroceanfilmfest.ca/2026-films

More info/BUY tix($26.50* or less): https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/our-ocean-film-fest-tickets-1984342925106?aff=oddtdtcreator
They are general admission seats. Alvaro (festival organizer) is reserving us seats in centre Row K. Look for the "Vancr Foreign, Documentary & Independent Film Meetup" sign. I will let him know the number of registered members before the show.

*Note I was able to get FREE tickets for our members. If you haven't paid your 2026 member dues($5) yet & would like to, msg me for etransfer info.
Also msg me directly to get your free code if you're an up-to-date member.

This fest is different from the one we went to mid-Sept, with more Canadian & local content, more short films & speakers in between.

If you wish, meet by 620 pm-ish in front of the KFC located across the street, then at 625 cross the road together to lineup to get in the thtr. There will be interesting display tables in the lobby to look at.

If you arrive later & want to sit with the group, look for us in Rows K.

***This event will probably sell out & be very crowded***

Afterwards, if there's interest, there's a Steamworks 1 block away for a drink & a chat about the film.

Here's a trailer & more background for a few of the films:
* https://www.tvo.org/video/documentaries/trailer-send-kelp and
* https://youtu.be/w8UOe6M0Now?si=IOhHAYM3FNC6B0A- and
* https://www.facebook.com/reel/1725104555253287

If you're driving, note that some streets have 3 hour parking limits.

(FYI I'm not sure yet if I can go due to VIFF being on at the same time, so Alvaro will be checking in with the group at the seats)

More fun things:
*The big Vancouver Film Fest runs Oct 1 to 11. Mark your calendars!
* A member, Jill, created a cool 1-day online conference I'm 'going' to, on Tues, Oct 27. Tech Differently: for people in tech who think differently & want to make the world a little bit better. Optional virtual VIP networking party Oct 28. Under $10! https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/the-tech-differently-conference-tickets-1988292318849?aff=VANCOUVERBUFFS
www.eventbrite.ca

Let's watch 'Replica' - AI, Loneliness & Connection

Wed, Oct 21 · 6:45 PM PDT

The Cinematheque, 1131 Howe St, Vancouver, BC, CA

• “More than a story about AI, a reflection on what it means to feel seen, understood, and, perhaps, loved.”

Follows young women in China who are choosing partners generated by AI programs, either to avoid societal pressure of getting married or to escape real-world relationship disillusionment, as they navigate psychosocial trauma. With a curious and empathetic eye, director Chouwa Liang captures loneliness and the desire for connection.

This especially interests me as I'm taking an AI course at SFU now.

7 pm Replica film(90 mins plus talk, 2026) In Mandarin & English with English subtitles
Trailer: Replica More info/buy tix($15* or less): Cinematheq Tix I strongly suggest buying tix ASAP, the last 2 times I went to this series it was sold out & packed.

There will be a post-screening discussion with a psychologist, clinical counsellor, sociologist, & 2 psychiatrists. Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, series director.

Let's learn! This film & discussion is part of the monthly Frames of Mind Series.

"What struck me most was how much this film is really about being unseen."

We can share our thoughts about it afterwards. :)

Hope to see you there!

*Note I purchased a discount multipack of tix. If you are not a 2026 member yet, but would like to be, pls msg me. As we can apply your $5 membership fee towards your tkt & it will be only $10.(so no extra cost for the membership)

To sit with the group, pls meet up in the 3rd/4th rows from the back of the theatre, at 645pm-ish. Feel free to come early & enjoy a refreshment(you can buy pop, popcorn, candy) with the group at the seats.

If you’d like to meet beforehand for a quick bite/drink nearby at 515ish, message me. We can chat about our experience & thoughts about AI & personal connection.
I won't be able to also go out after, but if someone wants to take the lead to walk the group over to Honeybrew or similar after, pls let me know!

More fun things:
* I'm curious if anyone's interested in going to Astra Lumina at Stanley Park mid-Nov. If maybe, msg me, as I may get us a group rate.
* A member, Jill, created a cool 1-day online conference I'm 'going' to, on Tues, Oct 27. Tech Differently: for people in tech who think differently & want to make the world a little bit better. 5 speakers from dif countries incl a musician from Romania & non-profit founder from Nigeria. Under $10!

See Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde at the Orpheum ($26+)

Mon, Oct 26 · 6:45 PM PDT

The Orpheum, 601 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC, CA

Let’s see a 1920 classic psychological thriller to get in the mood for Halloween & learn about the silent film era! At the stunning Orpheum theatre on a huge screen with a rare Wurlitzer organ playing along.
**This meetup is full but if you're keen to join us, buy a tkt then msg me your seat # and I'll add you to the group**

Set in late Victorian London, the film portrays the tragic consequences of a doctor's experiments in separating the dual personalities he thinks define all humans: one good, the other evil.[

The 1920 film stars John Barrymore as the dr whose experiment releases his cruel alter ego Mr. Hyde, an increasingly difficult to control persona.

An entertaining watch & chance to see this classic as it was meant to be seen.

Trailer: https://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesSilentFilmFestival/videos/1010943470018198/ (note the accompanist reference & screen date aren't accurate)

This black & white film will be followed by Vancouver Film School hosting a short lively talk about the movie and silent film history.

Please RSVP to this event AFTER you have bought a ticket & have a seat #.

730 pm Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde film (80 mins plus seminar after) More info/buy tix: https://www.ticketmaster.ca/silent-movie-mondays-dr-jekyll-and-vancouver-british-columbia-10-26-2026/event/110064F0A03D65BD

To join our group:

1. #1. Buy your own tkt ($25.85+ includes 2 service charges). I’m in LORCH Row 24, Seat #33 and there are seats available nearby. (If on your cell, switch to 'Map' view, click/unclick on the dots to see row #s) I suggest looking for seats in Row 24 or Row 25(seats 30 to 36) Look at the photo below, aim for seats near the black dot area.
2. #2. RSVP to this event & write your Row & Seat # in the sign-up questions.
3. #3. Get to the theatre 645 pmish if you'd like to meet the group/chat. Find us in the Westcoast Energy Hall Lounge, towards the window side(up the stairs from the gift shop). I'll post what I'm wearing that day so you can find me. Some people like to dress up.

*It's a Mon & a worknight, so if you can't stick around for the seminar after the film that's totally ok. :) *

The evening will also feature a live Jazz Band in the lobby 1 hour before the show and popcorn & drinks specials.

This is an immersive experience with dramatic music played live on the last historic organ in Canada still performing in its original home. Last season's Silent Film nights were great, so we're doing it again.

Keith Blackmore of Vancouver Film School will host the discussion about the film afterwards.

I hope you can come to this special night out! :)

Some interesting film facts:
*Based on an 1886 gothic horror novella https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strange_Case_of_Dr_Jekyll_and_Mr_Hyde
The novella was turned into a stage play, then a screenplay
*"Jekyll begins to live a double life: by day a compassionate and gentlemanly doctor, and by night a lustful, hunchbacked creature who ventures out to opium dens, bars, and music halls to satisfy his "dark indulgences".
*An especially remarkable feature of the silent film is Barrymore’s first transformation into Hyde, performed largely by contorting his face and body rather than relying on makeup or camera effects.

**A friendly reminder this meetup group has membership dues of $5 a yr to cover the subscription fee charged by meetup. If you enjoy receiving these film notices, here's how to pay your $5 dues for 2026: 1. You can give your organizer $5 cash at your next meetup. They will put a note in the meetup Comments re your payment. 2. You can etransfer me (Karen K) directly. Msg me for details**