Returning for its 19th edition from December 4 - 8, the Whistler Film Festival (WFF) will showcase 86 fresh films, including of 43 features and 43 shorts from Canada and around the world.
Each December, the Whistler Film Festival (WFF) draws thousands of film fans and filmmakers to North America’s premiere mountain resort for five days of film screenings, industry sessions, live music and events. It’s an inspiring way to experience one of B.C.’s most beloved winter settings.
No wonder it’s affectionately referred to as ‘Canada’s coolest film fest’.
To open this year’s festival, WFF will screen the Canadian Premiere of LOST TRANSMISSIONS, directed by Katharine O’Brien starring Simon Pegg and Juno Temple. Pegg (Theo) and Juno (Hannah) shine as LA music scene devotees, each battling their own mental health issues, ultimately deciding to abandon their respective medications in their quest for unfettered musical greatness. Pegg will be in attendance for the film and can be seen in conversation as part of WFF’s Signature Series Thursday, December 5.
Catch the Western Canadian Premiere of FROM THE VINE directed by WFF Alumni Sean Cisterna and starring Emmy award-winning actor Joseph Pantoliano (RISKY BUSINESS, MIDNIGHT RUN, THE FUGITIVE, THE MATRIX, MEMENTO, THE SOPRANOS). WFF will celebrate his career in an Artist Tribute event and honour him with a Career Achievement Award on December 5 at 3:00pm following the film. Brooklyn Nine-Nines funny woman, Chelsea Peretti (Gina Linetti) will also be in attendance for the World Premiere of her first feature film SPINSTER, directed by Andrea Dorfman.
This year’s festival will also feature 11 first-time feature films and 13 feature films directed by women. That’s not all…
67% of this year’s WFF programming is comprised of Canadian features – more than any other Canadian film festival this year. In addition, films in competition will compete for 15 film awards and $146,500 in cash and prizes from juries comprised of the world’s leading cinematic talent.
Additional festival highlights include the Canadian film festival premiere of THE IRISHMAN directed by Martin Scorsese, Canada’s entry in this year’s foreign-language Oscars category ANTIGONE directed by Sophie Deraspe, and Emile Goudreault’s COMPULSIVE LIAR , the highest grossing Canadian film of the year with over $6M in domestic box office!
“The Whistler Film Festival has evolved into a premium showcase for exciting new motion pictures not previously shown at other film festivals, with more and more filmmakers from Canada and abroad entrusting us with their new creations,” states Paul Gratton, WFF Director of Programming. “From Canadian gems to American Indies, our 19th edition delivers compelling and entertaining stories from around the world, welcoming both established names and emerging filmmakers.”
Dedicated to showcasing meaningful stories that spark conversation, WFF is proud to present award season fare and quality Canadian content. You can enter to win a Whistler Film Festival getaway valued at $1,100 HERE.
To learn more about this year’s festival, visit whistlerfilmfestival.com
