Below, we asked Sonja to share her thoughts on three standout films from this year’s series.

Toxic (Dir. Saulė Bliuvaitė)

In its North American premiere, Toxic arrives fresh off winning the Golden Leopard at the Locarno Film Festival. Saulė Bliuvaitė’s debut is a bold exploration of teenage volatility, following a group of Lithuanian girls targeted by a dubious modeling agency. Baksa describes Toxic as “a striking blend of social realism and choreographed style, pulling back the curtain on adolescent fragility while capturing moments of raw female intimacy and camaraderie.”

Friday September 27 (6:15 pm) + Friday October 04 (3:30 pm)

Red Path (Dir. Lotfi Achour)

Lotfi Achour’s second feature is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful look at grief and loss in a remote Tunisian community. According to Baksa, Red Path is “equal parts harrowing and deeply gentle,” as it captures the beauty of desolate landscapes and strong community ties, all while addressing complex cultural and geopolitical dynamics. The film’s striking cinematography complements its sensitive portrayal of a teenage boy navigating profound personal loss.

Familiar Touch (Dir. Sarah Friedland)

Sarah Friedland’s directorial debut, Familiar Touch, has already garnered major accolades, winning Best Director and Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival’s Orizzonti awards. Baksa praises Friedland’s work as “a poetic study of an elderly woman’s transition to assisted living.” With Kathleen Chalfant delivering a powerhouse performance, Baksa highlights how Friedland “mines the subtle physical expressions of cognitive decline” while exploring the protagonist’s struggle to retain her dignity in the face of life-altering change.

For tickets & more info on the Vanguard series at the Vancouver International Film Festival visit viff.org