Here's a look at what happened for 2023. Please check back again for more information on the 2024 event.
2023 Film Festival Overview
November 29– December 3, 2023: In Person in Whistler
Enjoy feature and short film programmes, including Oscar contenders, breakthrough Canadian films, and award-winning stories from around the globe. Select films will premiere exclusively in-theatre. The in-person festival also features filmmaker après events, conversations with top talent at WFF’s Signature Series, networking opportunities and time to explore.
The 2023 lineup includes the star power of Natalie Portman, Julianne Moore, Bradley Cooper, Carey Mulligan and Jeffrey Wright, to name a few.
December 4 – 17, 2023: Online Across Canada
Audiences across Canada can enjoy features and shorts online, access filmmaker Q&As, and attend a virtual Awards Celebration in true Whistler style. Access is via WFF’s online screening platforms.
Film Highlights
Whistler Film Festival’s full film lineup is now live and includes 97 exciting and moving films curated into 12 program strands. There are 35 features and 62 shorts from 14 countries, including top award-season contenders, new breakthrough Canadian features, adrenaline-pumping mountain adventure films, and previously unseen projects from around the globe.
- MAY DECEMBER 2023 | Canada | English Canadian Festival Premiere | Directed by Todd Haynes | Starring Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore
- THE BURNING SEASON 2023 | United States | World Premiere | Directed by Sean Garrity | Starring Jonas Chernick and Sara Canning
- AMERICAN FICTION 2023 | United States | Western Canadian Premiere | Directed by Cord Jefferson | Starring Jeffrey Wright
Canadian and World Premieres
The lineup also includes five films from British Columbia-based directors, including three world premieres.
- ADAPTATION 2023 | Canada | Western Canada Premiere | Directed by Jake Thomas
- ALTONA 2023 | Canada | World Premiere | Directed by The Affolter Brothers
- WITH LOVE AND A MAJOR ORGAN 2023 | Canada | British Columbia Premiere | Directed by Kim Albright
- ZOE.MP4 2023 | Canada | World Premiere | Directed by Jeremy Lutter
- SHE TALKS TO STRANGERS 2023 | Canada | World Premiere | Directed by Bruce Sweeney
Three of the five films will be considered for the prestigious Borsos Competition for Best Canadian Feature, worth $35,000 with a prize package that includes a $15,000 cash prize sponsored by the Directors Guild of Canada, British Columbia, and a $20,000 production prize sponsored by Company 3.
Film and Event Tickets
The box office is now closed. Pleae check back in Fall 2024 for passes and ticket packs.
Industry Access
Don't miss out on the action!
2023 Content Summit
In Whistler, November 29 – December 3 and Online (Worldwide), December 6 – 8, 2023
The Content Summit serves up a unique hybrid event, starting with a robust four-day calendar of in-person programming, keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, 1+1 meetings and networking events in Whistler, BC from November 29 to December 3.
From December 6 - 8, the Summit moves online with three more days dedicated to networking and gathering virtually for 1+1 Virtual Market Meetings and Round Table discussions.
Featuring more than 25 sessions including keynotes, masterclasses, fireside chats, roundtables, and 1+1 meetings with forward thinkers, innovators, and decision-makers, there’s something for everyone online and in-person. Topics include global financing, cinematography, producing documentaries, international formats, audience building, content delivery, sustainability, federal funding opportunities, and virtual production. WFF is known for bringing people together, and their priority is to create opportunities for filmmakers, creators, and executives to connect, discover, and create.
About the Whistler Film Festival Society
The Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS) is a charitable cultural organization dedicated to furthering the art and business of film by providing programs that focus on the discovery, development and promotion of new talent culminating with a must-attend festival for artists, industry and audiences. WFFS fulfills its mission by producing a highly respected and recognized international film festival (WFF) and industry summit that draw industry, audiences and global exposure for Canadian talent; delivering a robust slate of talent programs for Canadian artists including screenwriters, producers, directors, actors and musicians; and through year-round film and event programming that enriches community life beyond the festival. In all its programs, WFF strives for gender parity, inclusivity and diversity.
The Whistler Film Festival Society acknowledges that the land on which their office and venues are located are within the unceded territories of the Sk̲wx̲wú7mesh (Squamish) and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil'wat Nations).