BKonthescene

The Vaughan International Film Festival (VFF) is pleased to announce that the Honourable Mayor of Vaughan, Steven Del Duca, has welcomed the role of Honourary Chair for the VFF Awards Fundraising Committee, further strengthening the longstanding partnership between the City of Vaughan and one of its leading celebrations of arts and culture. The appointment comes as VFF celebrates its 14th edition of the festival and the continued growth of Vaughan’s film and creative industries.
For more than a decade, VFF has celebrated independent filmmaking and brought acclaimed films, emerging talent, and industry professionals from around the world to Vaughan. Under Mayor Del Duca’s leadership, the City of Vaughan has continued to champion arts and culture as essential drivers of community engagement, creativity, and economic vitality.
As Honourary Chair, Mayor Del Duca will serve as an ambassador for the festival and support VFF’s mission to inspire the next generation of storytellers while continuing to elevate Vaughan as a vibrant destination for arts and culture.
“I’m honoured to accept the role of Honourary Chair for the VFF Awards Fundraising Committee,” said Mayor Steven Del Duca. “Vaughan’s thriving arts and culture sector is central to the spirit of our city. For more than a decade, the Vaughan International Film Festival has been a cornerstone of creative expression in Vaughan – it inspires young people through educational programs, supports emerging talent and connects our local creative community to the world, reflecting the diversity, energy and ambition that define our city. As Honourary Chair, I look forward to serving as an ambassador for the festival, helping elevate its profile, champion its mission and further strengthen Vaughan’s reputation as a premier destination for the arts. Thank you to the Vaughan International Film Festival team for this opportunity and for your ongoing dedication and vision. I’m excited for what we will accomplish together.”
“We are deeply honoured to welcome Mayor Steven Del Duca as Honourary Chair of the VFF Awards Fundraising Committee,” said Antonio Ienco, Founding Member of VFF. “The Mayor has been a tremendous supporter of arts and culture in our city, and his leadership and advocacy will help us continue to grow the festival’s impact both locally and internationally. This appointment reflects our shared belief in the power of storytelling to bring communities together and inspire future generations of filmmakers.”
The announcement comes as VFF continues to expand its educational and industry initiatives, including high-school filmmaking workshops, student networking events, and internationally recognized film screenings that attract audiences from across Ontario and beyond.
Since its inception in 2013, the Vaughan International Film Festival has become a signature cultural event for the City of Vaughan, showcasing diverse voices and creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers while contributing to the city’s growing creative economy.
Kicking off tonight, the 2026 Vaughan International Film Festival will feature four days of film screenings, industry panels, networking events, and the presentation of the festival’s annual awards.