Visit Whistler in early December for a winter getaway that combines adventure with the best of film and screen. At the Whistler Film Festival (WFF), happening December 3 to 7, 2025, you’re invited to experience cinema not available anywhere else, from adrenaline-fuelled outdoor films and critically acclaimed independent stories to major global features and episodic content.
Turning 25 with George Stroumboulopoulos
On its 25th anniversary, the Whistler Film Festival is honoured to announce acclaimed Canadian media personality George Stroumboulopoulos as its Festival Ambassador. For a quarter century, WFF has been a champion of Canadian cinema, shining a spotlight on the stories, artists and ideas that shape our cultural landscape on a global stage.
Stroumboulopoulos embodies that spirit. His thoughtful approach to storytelling, lifelong commitment to amplifying diverse voices, and influence across multiple platforms make him the perfect figure to mark this milestone year.
“In a world of sameness, I’m drawn to what feels unique — real, unpredictable, and a little wild,” said Stroumboulopoulos, who has been a champion of WFF for over two decades. “Whistler Film Festival has that rare, rugged energy: a collision of creativity, chaos, and mountain air that feels alive. It’s not just about film; it’s about connection, curiosity, and community. The best stories don’t just entertain — they ignite something in us and make us see the world differently.”
Would You Like Some Red Carpet Treatment?
If you’re coming for adventure, WFF is the perfect complement to your vacation or weekend escape. Catch a film lineup of Oscar contenders, Canadian films and award-winning stories from around the world. A number of films have their world premieres right here in Whistler Village, with the majesty of Whistler Blackcomb in the background.
Picture the red carpet experience and resort-style after-parties with the filmmakers themselves, many of whom will participate in audience Q&As after screenings, and sit on panels during the Content Summit; you won’t want to miss the Masterclass that is being given by acclaimed director Osgood Perkins (Legally Blonde, Longlegs, Keeper) and producer Chris Ferguson.
There’s also the Opening Night Reception on Wednesday, December 3, the 25th Silver Anniversary Party on Friday, December 5, and the Awards Ceremony on Saturday, December 6.
Whistler Film Festival Film Highlights 2025
WFF 2025 Opening Film
There are two opening night films this year on Wednesday, December 3. You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution, Spread Love & Overalls, and Created a Community That Changed the World (in a Canadian Kind of Way) is a documentary about the legendary 1972 Toronto production of the musical Godspell. It launched many illustrious careers and ignited a comedy revolution.
The second film is from the Mountain Culture program. Forward is a documentary that celebrates the power of adaptive adventure through the story of Clay March, a young man with cerebral palsy whose love for skiing, surfing and the outdoors pushes the limits of possibility. Alongside his triplet brother Tanner, Clay’s journey is both personal and universal, a reminder that adventure is for everyone.
WFF 2025 Closing Film
WFF’s closing film on Sunday, December 7, is The Choral, starring Ralph Fiennes. It’s about a choral society’s male members who enlist in World War I, leaving the demanding Dr. Guthrie to recruit teenagers in their place. Together, they experience the joy of singing while the young boys grapple with their impending conscription into the army.
Films to Look Out For at Whistler Film Festival 2025
Fan of a whodunnit? WFF will be screening the third Knives Out film, Wake Up Dead Man, by award–nominated filmmaker Rian, with an award-winning cast starring Daniel Craig, Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, Thomas Haden Church, Kerry Washington, Daryl McCormack, Jeremy Renner, Andrew Scott, Cailee Spaeny and Mila Kunis.
George Clooney, Adam Sandler and Laura Dern star in Jay Kelly, where Clooney plays movie actor Jay, with Sandler as his manager Ron. Both of them embark on a whirlwind, unexpectedly profound journey where they’re forced to confront choices they’ve made, their relationships with loved ones and the legacies they’ll leave behind.
If you like thrillers, then Keeper should be on your watch list. A romantic anniversary trip to a secluded cabin turns sinister when a dark presence reveals itself, forcing a couple to confront the property’s haunting past. Korean film No Other Choice is about a man who, after being unemployed for several years, devises a unique plan to secure a new job: eliminate his competition.
And in Starwalker, Star, an Indigi-Queer Two-Spirit call boy, finds a new family in The House of Borealis drag house. But as their drag persona blossoms, painful memories re-emerge, testing their new passion and family ties. Starwalker is based on the highly lauded titular stageplay by writer-director Corey Payette.
British-Columbian Filmmakers Celebrated at WFF 2025
“Supporting BC and Canadian filmmakers has always been at the heart of WFF’s programming, and it feels especially meaningful to highlight such a powerful slate of local stories as we launch our 25th season,” added WFF’s director of programming Robin Smith. “These films reflect the creativity, diversity, and resilience of our community, and we’re proud to provide a platform where their voices can be discovered and celebrated on both a national and international stage.”
WFF continues to celebrate BC-made films, including eco-documentary The Rewilders directed by Marlene Rodgers; the over-the-top thriller Influencers, directed by Kurtis David Harder; and the timely Menopause: Coming in Hot, directed by Kate Green.
A number of brilliant shorts have also been programmed, including Blue For You, a haunting meditation on obsession and fantasy directed by Sebastian Ortiz Wilkins; the coming-of-age drama Animals directed by Michael Makaroff; the satirical drama The After School Club directed by Tamara Black; Dinner Rush directed by Milton Ng (winner of WFF24 Power Pitch); and the raw, queer confessional Queen Mother directed by King Louie Palomo.
New Family Programming at WFF 2025
New this year is the Morning Fuzzies on Saturday and Sunday, offering family programming in a relaxed and sensory-reduced environment. Titles include The Lost Tiger, an Australian kids’ animated film (suitable for five to seven year olds), an incredible collection of kids’ animated shorts and ARCO, a French animated film and Oscar nominee entry (recommended for 8+).
There’s also Cat Video Fest 2025. Yes, you read that right. For anyone who loves to watch YouTube or Instagram videos of cats doing crazy things, this is your chance to see the felines making it onto the big screen! Every ticket benefits local cats in need at Whistler Animals Galore.
WFF Mountain Culture Program
In addition to the feature documentary Forward, the Mountain Culture program includes the Sea to Sky Showcase, presented with the support of the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
Let Me Chase This Dream follows a surf photographer’s story of resilience after traumatic brain injury, directed by Cristobal Ruiz; Embers, the visually stunning follow-up to WFF24’s Wild Aerial, about newfound hope after the Jasper wildfire, directed by Trixie Pacis; Airtime, an ode to the flight and freedom of mountain sports in Whistler’s winter wonderland, directed by Alex Clapin; and Peruvian Ascents, a light-hearted adventure comedy directed by Vincent LaPointe.
Borsos Competition 2025
Ten standout Canadian features will compete in the 22nd annual Borsos Competition, named for renowned filmmaker Phillip Borsos and representing the strength and diversity of Canadian filmmaking across region, language, and genre.
In Youngblood, Ontario director Hubert Davis (Oscar®-nominated for his short Hardwood) reimagines the classic Rob Lowe hockey drama of the same name through a modern lens, placing a Black prodigy’s journey into the NHL draft at the centre of a story about identity, racism, resilience and locker room politics.
Indigenous voices are powerfully represented: Nika & Madison, directed by Eva Thomas, tells the story of two Indigenous women forced to go on the run after a violent encounter, while Starwalker, from Corey Payette, centres a Two-Spirit call boy seeking self-expression in Vancouver’s drag scene.
Uiksaringitara | Wrong Husband by Zacharias Kunuk (Atanarjuat/The Fast Runner) is a poetic Inuktitut fairy-tale of two teenage lovers promised to be wed, only to be pulled apart by sinister forces. These films reflect not only regional diversity but generational reimaginings of Canada’s cultural identity.
Women filmmakers are also prominent in this lineup. Set against Montreal’s indie music scene in 2011, Mile End Kicks, directed by Chandler Levack, arrives after acclaim for her previous debut and has already been spotlighted by major Canadian film circuits (including being featured in TIFF’s Canadian list). Akashi, by Mayumi Yoshida, blends Japanese and English narrative threads in a cross-cultural tale of family and memory.
A suspenseful set of titles rounds out the category: Little Lorraine by Andy Hines, is a crime drama bubbling beneath the surface of bucolic seaside life; Influencers by Kurtis David Harder, is a psychological identity-theft thriller; Sk+te’kmujue’katik | At the Place of Ghosts from Bretten Hannam, highlights the quest of two brothers haunted by personal histories; and Gagne Ton Ciel | The Cost of Heaven by director Mathieu Denis, watches a father’s moral descent in Quebec’s sociocultural climate.
Together, these films make up a bold, multifaceted lineup that reinforces WFF’s mission to elevate Canadian stories with daring style, cultural weight and urgent relevance.
Whistler Film and Event Tickets + Passes
Choose from a variety of ticket options, including movie ticket packs available in three, six, 10, and unlimited.
There are also industry passes, which give you access to the Content Summit, film screenings, parties, 1:1 meetings, après sessions and workshops like the Masterclass with director Osgood (Oz) Perkins (The Monkey, Longlegs, Legally Blonde, and the upcoming surrealist horror Keeper) and producer Chris Ferguson, facilitated by renowned media personality George Stroumboulopoulos.
Book 3+ Nights and Receive a free $100 CAD Whistler Shopping Voucher
Rooms start at $250 CAD per night during the Whistler Film Festival, and if you stay for three or more you receive a free $100 shopping voucher when you book with Whistler.com.
What To Do When You’re Not Watching a Movie
Stretch Those Legs
After sitting still, enraptured in the latest release, you might want to stretch it out on a winter walk. Depending on snowfall, you could try one of the routes suggested in our Walking in Whistler’s Winter Wonderland blog, opt for a snowshoe or cross-country ski, ice skate in Olympic Plaza, or, of course, get a few ski laps on Whistler Blackcomb (opening day is slated for November 21, 2025).
More Culture
Visit the Audain Art Museum and take in their permanent collection featuring works from BC artists like Emily Carr. A trip to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is always something we suggest. Connecting with the Cultural Ambassadors as they guide you through the centre is a great way to learn about the richness of First Nations’ traditions and culture in the Sea to Sky.
Relax
Another way to enjoy the mountains is to relax in them. Head to the Scandinave Spa for a few rounds of hydrotherapy and a soothing massage. Before the film fest parties, you could treat yourself to a body wrap, facial, manicure, or pedicure at one of Whistler’s spas.
Dine
If you’re heading out for dinner pre- or post-movie, then you have a lot of options near the Whistler Conference Centre, the hub of the festival. For fine dining, there’s Araxi, Bearfoot Bistro, Il Camineto and Wild Blue. And for a more relaxed vibe, there’s The Mexican Corner, Sushi Village, Stonesedge Kitchen and Earls.
If you’re looking for coffee or lunch in between flicks, then head to Forecast, Flute & Fromage, or Moguls Coffee House. And for a casual place to compare movie notes, do that over a beer or glass of wine at The Beacon or Dubh Linn Gate. Take a look at our dining guide for more ideas.
WFF25 passes are on sale now. Rooms start at $250 CAD per night during the Whistler Film Festival, and if you stay for three or more you receive a free $100 shopping voucher when you book with Whistler.com.
Editor’s Note: This blog was written by Kirsten Andrews, Marketing & Communications Manager at the Whistler Film Festival, updated by Whistler Insider editor, Dee Raffo.
