Lights up on VFF 2026: The Films of International Block One

Sara Del Core | VFF Crew Writer

A great short film can make you laugh, cry, and question everything in under twenty minutes. The 2026 Vaughan International Film Festival lineup does exactly that.

When I first sat down to watch the 2026 Vaughan Film Festival International lineup, I had no idea what to expect—VFF has always been known for showcasing a wide ride of genres - from heartfelt dramas to boundary-pushing shorts, there’s always a sense of surprise when diving into the program each year.  This year was surely no exception.

In what may be VFF’s strongest lineup since the 2017 lineup, I felt every emotion imaginable in a remarkably short amount of time. — I laughed out loud, jumped in fear, and cried in complete catharsis. Film has a rare ability to move us this way, and this year’s selection proves just how powerful that experience can be. 

So, if you’re wondering what you’ll experience at this year’s festival, here’s a rundown of the films that make up the 2026 International Programming Block One.

Vultures (France/South Africa)

Starting off with a bang is a South Africa/France co-production directed by Dian Weys that will truly get your blood pumping. Vultures channels the relentless tension  of Uncut Gems with the gritty edge of Nightcrawler. South African actor Edwin van der Walt plays a tow truck driver who will stop at nothing to keep his livelihood afloat when he arrives at the scene of an intense car crash,  - but what follows quickly spirals into a morally charged situation. At its core, Vultures is a sharp commentary on capitalism, humanity and ethic.

Where do you draw the line between opportunity and compassion? ? And, how far are you willing to go to do the right thing? 

Block 1 of VFF 2026  comes in HOT right out the gate.

Agapito (Philippines)

Get ready to laugh - and maybe shed a few  happy tears. In one of the few Filipino short films selected for Cannes 2025, which ultimately won the prestigious Palme D’or short category, directors Arvin Belarmino and Kyla Danelle Romero’s touching portrait of a sister’s devotion to her brother is surely set to become a VFF favourite. Set in a bowling alley on a swelteringly hot day, the film follows Mira, a manager   whose routine afternoon takes a heartfelt turn with the arrival of her brother. Co-director Belarmino named the film after his own brother Agapito Jr—a personal touch that reflects on the film's themes of familial bonds, love and sacrifice.

Impure(France)

Returning to the festival once more is VFF25’s La Boutielle director Xavier Mesme with a thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat.  Impure tells the story of Mahe and Cristèle, two estranged lovers whose reunion becomes far more complicated than expected. As the past resurfaces and tensions rise, the pair find themselves pulled into a situation that grows increasingly volatile. With twists and turns at every corner, Impure will have you breathless and searching for the truth within the incredible dual-lead acting performances.

What We Leave Behind (Canada)

One of VFF’s two animated shorts in this year’s program, What We Leave Behind is a psychological drama that follows a young man confronting the trauma and pain of his past and looking to heal both physically and emotionally. Unable to speak, he must confront memories and feelings long left unspoken.. 

Co-directed by Jean-Sébastien Hamel & Alexandra Myotte, this 10-minute short explores themes of  rage, loneliness, and the quiet weight of introspection. Told  through an evocative animated style, What We Leave Behind leaves an incredibly important and powerful message. 

Pippa and Léo (Canada)

This film  feels like if Short Term 12 and Step-Up had a 19-minute long baby. Pippa and Léo follows our titular characters, teen mom Pippa and her infant son Leo, as she  searches to find purpose in her life while balancing the  fragility of young motherhood and living in a supervised home. It’s tender, raw and brazenly honest; Pippa’s story resonates with you on a deeper level through her vulnerability and resilience. Oh, and yes, there’s dancing too.

Candy Bar (Australia)

Nash Edgerton, best known for his award-winning short film trilogy Spider, Shark and Bear, as well as his prolific music video catalogue which includes Bob Dylan’s Beyond Here Lies Nothin’, takes us on a 6-minute long wild ride with his new short Candy Bar. Our lead character, played by two-time Charles Manson portrayer Damon Herriman, finds himself caught in a strange and unexpected encounter while waiting in line at a movie theatre concession stand when a little girl professes his similarities to her deceased father.

Something Spontaneous (Canada)

Like the title suggests, Something Spontaneous is a feel-good comedy that can be universally understood—have you ever been in a relationship rut and just wanted something, you know …spontaneous? Director Anisha Kumar’s Canadian romcom takes you on a quick journey with a couple who has to confront what they really want from each other - and from the relationship. 

Via Belleza 11 (Italy)

Capping off the fantastic first block of films at VFF 2026 is Director Giuseppe Cardaci’s Musical-Comedy Via Belleza 11—a film sure to tug on the tightest of heart strings. Determined to honour her apartment building’s devoted and long-tenured concierge Franco, Anna rallies her neighbours to vote him in as Italy’s best doorman.  Warm, funny and full of heart, the  film fosters a feeling of familiarity and compassion that  resonates across generations.proving that there is no power stronger than community.

All in all, Block 1 of the 2026 Vaughan International Film festival has nearly everything you could ask for - film enthusiasts, community supporters  and creatives alike will find special moments in this incredible lineup of short films.

Stay tuned for my rundown of International Programming Block Two. 

Get Tickets to VFF26 HERE