Whistler Film Festival 2024 Achieves Gender Parity with 46% Female and Non-Binary Directors
The 24th annual Whistler Film Festival (WFF) in Whistler, BC, running from December 4 to 8, promises an engaging celebration of Canadian and global cinema, with a particular emphasis on gender parity. This year, 46% of the films featured in the lineup are directed or co-directed by women or non-binary filmmakers, reflecting WFF’s commitment to equity, inclusion, and diversity.
Angela Heck, WFF’s executive director, remarked on the importance of representation in cinema. “Gender parity isn’t just a goal – it’s a vital step toward ensuring that all voices, from traditionally marginalized groups to underrepresented women, are heard and celebrated,” she said.
The festival will showcase over 100 films, including the opening feature The Last Showgirl by Gia Coppola, starring Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis. Of the total lineup, 34% of feature films and 51% of shorts are helmed by female and non-binary directors.
Notable Films by Women and Non-Binary Filmmakers
- Aberdeen / Eva Thomas and Ryan Cooper / Canada
- Altitudes / Louise Thaller and Stanislas Giroux / France
- Bob Trevino Likes It / Tracie Laymon / USA
- Chaperone / Zoë Eisenberg / USA
- Darkest Miriam / Naomi Jaye / Canada
- Fairy Creek / Jen Muranetz / Canada
- Fidil Ghorm (Blue Fiddle) / Anne McCabe / Ireland
- Kryptic / Kourtney Roy / Canada
- Maya and the Wave / Stephanie Johnes / USA
- NiiMisSak: Sisters in Film / Jules Koostachin / Canada
- Resynator / Alison Tavel / USA
- Space Cowboy / Marah Strauch and Bryce Leavitt / USA
- Story and Pictures By / Joanna Rudnick / USA
- Sweet Angel Baby / Melanie Oates / Canada
- Who Do I Belong To / Meryam Joobeur / Tunisia/Canada
- X Trillion / Eleanor Church / UK
The Mountain Culture Short program, Pioneers of Her Time, further highlights gender parity, with films exploring the impact of historical and contemporary women in adventure sports. Filmmakers from this free program will participate in a panel discussion on December 6 at the Whistler Public Library.
Industry Programming and Mentorship
In addition to its screenings, WFF offers robust programming for industry professionals. The Women in Focus Mentorship provides guidance to female and non-binary filmmakers from British Columbia, led by mentor Sharon Stevens. Other initiatives, such as the Market Preparation Mentorship in partnership with Gender Equity in Media Society, equip filmmakers to pitch projects at the Content Summit.
The festival also hosts the Women In The Director’s Chair (WIDC) program, which supports women and non-binary directors in developing feature films, television, and web series.
Signature Events and Keynote Speakers
The Signature Series honors Canadian stars Cobie Smulders and Tatiana Maslany, who will each participate in sit-down interviews hosted by George Stroumboulopoulos. These public events take place on December 6 and 7, offering insights into their careers and perspectives on the industry.
With over 118 films, including 47 features and 71 shorts, WFF 2024 is a testament to its dedication to advancing diversity in cinema while providing a platform for unique voices to shape the industry’s future.