VIFF chooses 2017 Cannes favourite for closing gala film

The Vancouver International Film Festival announced Wednesday that Todd Haynes' film Wonderstruckhas landed the much vaunted spot of closing gala film.

Wonderstruckstars Julianne Moore and Michelle Williamsand was touted by some film critics as an Oscar contenderfollowing its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this spring.

The film takes place in two time periods from the perspectives of two runaway children.

VIFF's2017 season runs from Sept. 28 to Oct.13 and is jammed with more than 300 films from Canada and around the world.

The opening film, announced in mid-August, is Meditation Park, a bittersweet comedy starring Sandra Oh. Vancouverite Mina Shumis the writer, director and producer.

Meditation Park tells the story of a 60-year-old Chinese Canadian wife, mother and grandmother living in East Vancouver whose lifeis forever altered by circumstance.

"Her life completely changes when she discovers an orange thong in her husband's pants," explainedShum.

Another festival highlight isa documentary about acclaimed spoken word artist Shane Koyczan.

Shut up and Say Something will screen at VIFF's B.C. Spotlight awards gala Oct. 7.

Industry big wigs headline Creator Talks

Industry panel sessionsand talks by renowned members of the entertainment industry are aperennialfavourite.

Canadian success story JeremyPodeswa, the directorof Game of Thrones,will be a keynote speaker during the festival's popular Creator Talks series.

Carlton Cruise, director of Bates Motel,and David Slade, executive producer of the popular NetflixseriesBlack Mirrorwill also be part of the Creator Talks.

Huge expectations for 2017 festival

VIFF's executive director Jacqueline Dupuis says she has huge expectations for this year's festival.

"It's going to be amazing ... the excitement by the audiences so far have been really fantasticso I think it's going to be one of our best festivals yet."

Festival and event tickets are available online Sept. 7and in-person at the 1181 Seymour St. box office onSept. 14.