Whistler Film Festival launches as holiday season hype begins in Whistler Village, November 29 to December 3
Featuring film premieres, industry summits, parties, and more; annual event is also the perfect opportunity to enjoy a relaxing, pre-festive getaway to a winter wonderland
SPONSORED POST BY Tourism Whistler
Whistler Film Festival at the Whistler Conference Centre. Photo by Mike Crane (Tourism Whistler)
The 23rd annual Whistler Film Festival takes place from November 29 to December 3, featuring a just-announced lineup of unique indie films screened in the heart of Whistler as the holiday season kicks off.
Offering human connection and industry insights, the festival connects audiences to filmmakers at a variety of events, such as premieres, industry summits, talent programs, and parties. With special guest appearances by actors and directors expected as well, there’s plenty of opportunities to chat and network with the minds behind Oscar contenders, breakthrough films, and award-winning stories.
Whistler Film Festival’s opening night kicks off with the Canadian premiere of Netflix’s Maestro, a fearless love story written, produced, and directed by Bradley Cooper, who also stars in the film’s lead role alongside Carey Mulligan.
Whistler Film Festival event. Photo by Mike Crane (Tourism Whistler)
More stand-outs on the lineup include American Fiction, acclaimed writer Cord Jefferson’s feature film debut as writer-director; director Zaynê Akyol’s ROJEK, Canada’s official selection for best international feature film at next year’s Oscars; and the world premiere of Canadian filmmaker-photographer-author Dianne Whelan’s Paramount+ Original documentary 500 Days in the Wild, which follows her journey as the first person to travel 24,000 kilometres over land and water on the Trans Canada Trail.
Five films from B.C.-based directors are featured, including three world premieres: The Affolter Brothers’s Altona, Jeremy Lutter’s Zoe.mp4, and Bruce Sweeney’s She Talks to Strangers. Three of the five films will be considered for the prestigious Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature, with a prize package worth $35,000.
A number of high-profile new films are also making an appearance, such as director Todd Haynes’s May December starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore. While select films are scheduled exclusively for in-person premieres, there is an opportunity to access virtual events from December 4 to 17, for those who are yearning to see more of the abundant lineup.
Whistler Village. Photo by Mike Crane (Tourism Whistler)
Whistler Film Festival takes place during one of the best times of year to visit Whistler. The resort and mountains are quiet but bustling, and the early winter hype is high. Akin to a real-life snowglobe, Whistler gets ready for the holidays early, complete with sparkling lights and outdoor ice-skating.
An early season getaway allows you to get a head start on the season and enjoy good value, with rooms for two adults starting from $175 per night. Guests who stay three or more nights between November 23 and December 20 can enter the promo code SHOPWHIS during online check-out to receive a $100 Shopping Voucher.
Whistler Village shopping. Photo by Justa Jeskova (Tourism Whistler)
Balance out a shopping spree with some Light Up the Village Christmas activities, which include self-guided tours of Whistler’s festive light displays and roving Christmas carolers on the Village Stroll. There’s a variety of hands-on winter wonderland activities to partake in, too, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Whistler Olympic Park, to bobsleigh and skeleton tours at Whistler Sliding Centre.
Visit Tourism Whistler’s website to learn more about the Whistler Film Festival and get started planning your early season getaway to Whistler.
Post sponsored by Tourism Whistler.
Whistler Village. Photo by Justa Jeskova (Tourism Whistler)