Topless protesters aside, the 2024 Whistler Film Festival (WFF) unfolded as a splendid success.
Last December's festival drew 11,337 attendees across all programming and platforms: a nine-per-cent increase over 2023 when the absence of online streaming is factored in. WFF did not offer online screenings, unlike the last four years.
A total of 5,615 guests checked out at least one movie, a four-per-cent increase, while 1,692 (down eight per cent) were present at ticketed WFF events headlined by Signature Series Talent Talks with Cobie Smulders and Tatiana Maslany, known for playing Agent Maria Hill and She-Hulk, respectively, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Meanwhile, the WFF Content Summit attracted 3,235 people (a 46-per-cent bump up from two years ago) while featuring 786 accredited industry delegates from across North America at panels and training opportunities.
“The 2024 Whistler Film Festival exceeded expectations, proving once again that audiences and industry professionals alike are eager to engage with bold, inspiring, and diverse storytelling,” says WFF executive director Angela Heck in a press release. “With record-breaking film selections, a growing and dynamic industry presence, and strong community support, WFF24 reinforced its role as a key destination for Canadian and international talent. We’re thrilled to see the festival’s continued impact and we can’t wait to build on this momentum for 2025.”
An unprecedented 118 films were shown across 10 programming strands. Oscar contenders like The Last Showgirl, September 5, Queer, Kneecap and Universal Language screened alongside 27 world premieres and 20 Canadian premieres—a 43-per-cent increase. Seventy-four of the aforementioned productions originated from Canada.
WFF also launched five features and 22 shorts, most notably Blue Rodeo: Lost Together. Director Dale Heslip attended the screening with band founders Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy, producer Corey Russell, and the band’s longtime manager Susan de Cartier.
"It was such a joy to have our world premiere in Whistler, and to be awarded the Audience Choice Award? You folks certainly know how to make a guy feel special," Heslip remarks. "I sat between Jim and Greg for the screening and it was the first time the three of us watched the film together. I can’t wait to have another film at WFF.”
Demographic breakdown
British Columbians made up 72 per cent of attendees, including 32 per cent from the Sea to Sky corridor. Ten per cent joined from Ontario, with seven per cent from elsewhere in Canada.
Eleven per cent of visitors travelled from the United States. Japan, Mexico and Australia were also represented, while Ireland as the Country of Focus sent a delegation including Ambassador to Canada John Concannon and Cathy Geagan, Consul General of Ireland to Western Canada.
Local visitation attributable to WFF shot up 20 per cent overall. Tourism Whistler survey data indicated that nearly all festival-goers came away satisfied, noting the quality of films and the event's value for money.
Fourteen movies were directed or co-directed by Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) individuals. Women and non-binary creators helmed 52 projects, and nine more fell into the 2SLGBTQIA+ category.
British Columbia delivered its fair share of content, with five features and 34 shorts authored by local creators or shot within the province.
The revered Borsos Award for Best Canadian Feature was awarded to director and co-writer J Stevens for Really Happy Someday, a film about a young transmasculine singer who is finding a “new” voice both on and off the stage.
French-language movie Phoenixes by Ariane Falardeau St-Amour was recognized for Best Cinematography in a Borsos film, affirming WFF’s reputation as a hotspot for Francophone projects outside Quebec.
"The 2024 Whistler Film Festival has been an extraordinary celebration of cinema, culture, and community,” says Heck. “This year, we continued to program a balanced representation of female/non-binary filmmakers, while also amplifying the powerful storytelling of global Indigenous voices in a way that resonates deeply with our audiences."
Yet Heck notes WFF may still be looking at a financial deficit come year's end due to higher expenses, inflation and reduced sponsorship money.
"As we look ahead to our 25th anniversary in 2025, we invite individuals, corporations and other entities to join us in ensuring that the Whistler Film Festival continues to thrive and evolve," she says.
"Contributions, whether through year-end donations, securities, or sponsorships, are critical in supporting the future of this festival, which has become such an integral part of the global film landscape. Together, we can continue to inspire, innovate, and elevate the voices of tomorrow."
Robin Smith, WFF director of programming, added relationship-building forms the festival's core.
"This year the festival saw incredible connections made between filmmakers, industry professionals, and emerging talent thanks to the interwoven aspects of programming, and top-tier executives and creators who graciously participated in our Content Summit panels and presentations," he tells the media.
Visit whistlerfilmfestival.com for more.
