“Blue Rodeo: Lost Together” and “The Beginning” win Audience Awards at Canada’s Whistler Film Festival
The 2024 Whistler Film Festival (WFF) concluded with audience-voted awards celebrating two standout films. Dale Heslip’s music documentary "Blue Rodeo: Lost Together" won the Audience Award for feature-length films, while Cristóbal Ruiz’s "The Beginning," part of the Mountain Culture shorts program, took the prize for short films.
Audience voting, held from December 4 to 8 during screenings in Whistler, allowed attendees to select their favorite feature and short films from the festival lineup. Eligible entries included narrative and documentary features, alongside short films across diverse programs such as Shortworks and Mountain Culture.
Robin Smith, WFF’s Director of Film Programming, remarked on the awards’ significance: “The Audience Awards are a fun, yet important, way for our guests to have their say in the programming we put together.”
Blue Rodeo: Lost Together
The world premiere of "Blue Rodeo: Lost Together" brought celebrated Canadian musicians Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy to Whistler. Directed by Dale Heslip and produced by Corey Russell and Francine Dibacco, the documentary chronicles the 40-year journey of the iconic band.
During a Q&A moderated by George Stroumboulopoulos, Cuddy and Keelor reflected on their creative process and connection with fans. Corey Russell expressed gratitude: “This award means so much, and we want to thank the fans who took the time to see our film.”
Blending humor, honesty, and heart, the film provides a rare glimpse into the personal and professional lives of Keelor and Cuddy, capturing the essence of Blue Rodeo’s enduring legacy.
The Beginning
In the short film category, Cristóbal Ruiz’s "The Beginning" captivated audiences with the inspiring story of Alenka Mali, a 24-year-old snowboard BASE jumper who achieved a daring leap from a 1200-metre cliff on Goat Ridge in Squamish, BC.
The film balances breathtaking footage with a heartfelt tribute to Mali’s mother, exploring the familial bond that drove her pursuit of the extraordinary. Ruiz reflected, “Throughout the process, we discovered a story much bigger than a snowboard BASE jumping feat—it’s an inspiring tale of family, fear, bravery, and the power of a life spent outdoors.”
Runners-Up and Highlights
Close contenders for the feature award included Rich Peppiatt’s Irish film "Kneecap," a vibrant mix of cultural depth and energetic storytelling, and Markian Tarasiuk’s "Hunting Matthew Nichols," a moody thriller set in BC that explores a haunting disappearance.
In 2023, Dianne Whelan’s "500 Days In The Wild" won WFF’s Audience Award, later earning a place on the 2024 Academy Awards longlist. This year’s winners continue WFF’s tradition of spotlighting groundbreaking films that resonate beyond Canadian borders.