Whistler Film Festival 2024 announces lineup of over 100 films in Canada
The Whistler Film Festival (WFF) is set to return from December 4-8, 2024, showcasing its most ambitious lineup yet. Held in the picturesque resort town of Whistler, British Columbia, the 24th edition of the festival will present 118 films, including 47 features and 71 shorts. The lineup spans 10 program strands, celebrating both Canadian and international cinema.
Robin Smith, WFF’s new director of film programming, emphasized the festival’s dual focus on creativity and community: “This year’s lineup offers a balance of fun, thought-provoking, and diverse films. We’ve expanded existing programs like ShortWorks and Mountain Culture while introducing new themes such as Play It Loud! and Films On Tap.”
Among the standout films are Oscar contenders such as The Last Showgirl, starring Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis, and Queer, featuring Daniel Craig and Jason Schwartzman. The festival will also host world premieres like Blue Rodeo: Lost Together, a music documentary debuting in the Play It Loud! strand.
Canadian cinema takes center stage, with 13 features competing in the prestigious Borsos Competition for $36,000 in prizes. Notable entries include Universal Language by Matthew Rankin, an absurdist triptych blending surrealism and autobiographical elements, and Standing on the Shoulders of Kitties: The Bubbles and the Shtrockers Story*, which follows Trailer Park Boys’ Bubbles on a European tour.
Music also plays a major role this year, with documentaries such as Harkness, Resynator, and Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted exploring diverse aspects of the music world.
The festival’s Content Summit will run from December 4-7, featuring panels, workshops, and keynotes from industry leaders. It aims to foster collaboration between Canadian and global talent. Additionally, unique events like the Mountain Culture panel and Rock the Fest fundraiser on December 7 will enhance the festival’s dynamic offerings.
WFF continues to incentivize filmmakers with over $188,500 in prizes, including the Screen BC Short Film Award and the Power Pitch competition. Fifteen awards, including an audience award, will be presented at the festival’s closing ceremony on December 8.
Screenings will be held at multiple venues, including the Village 8 theatres, Whistler Conference Centre, and Buffalo Bill’s, a space dedicated to the Films On Tap program. Panels and talks will take place at the Whistler Public Library and Arc'teryx store.