Whistler Film Festival Society

Whistler Film Festival Society — Canada’s Mountain-Set Film & Industry Hub

Set against the epic alpine backdrop of Whistler, B.C., the Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS) is Canada’s go-to non-profit film org—where indie creators and industry insiders converge. Every December, they deliver the Whistler Film Festival plus a lit-AF Content Summit that gives filmmakers access, mentorship, and real chances to level up.

What Makes WFFS Stand Out?

Feb-24 Festival Vibes: During December 3–7, 2025, WFF invites audiences, filmmakers, and industry people to connect, binge-premieres, vibe at industry panels, and party in a gorgeous mountain town.whistlerfilmfestival.com+1

Content Summit Upgraded: From December 3–6, the Summit serves up keynotes, panels, 1:1 market meetups, workshops, pitch comps, and more—basically, power-up sessions for your career.whistlerfilmfestival.com+1

Talent Programs That Work: WFFS runs 11+ market-driven development programs that shape Canadian storytellers—screenwriters, directors, producers, even Indigenous creators—with mentorship and legit project support.whistlerfilmfestival.com+1

Inclusion as Priority: WFFS isn’t just talking equity—they walk it. Gender parity, diversity, Indigenous representation—they’re baked into everything. In 2024, 46% of films were directed or co-directed by women or non-binary creators.whistlerfilmfestival.com+1

Real-Talk Impact Metrics

WFFS isn’t playing small. Since 2001, they’ve engaged over 170,000 film lovers and creators, premiered +1,561 films, handed out 177 awards/commissions totaling $1.9M, and built a 3,085-person alumni network.whistlerfilmfestival.com

The economic footprint? A cool $24.6M GDP support, $6.2M in tax revenue, and 390+ full-time jobs in the region.whistlerfilmfestival.com

Awards & Recognition

The fest drops legit awards like:

Borsos Competition—Canada-centric features rewarded for direction, screenplay, cinematography, acting; often comes with cash and post-production prizes.

Tons of other juried categories: documentary, mountain culture, short films (student, BC, international), audience picks, and Femme-focused awards.

Why This Matters for Filmmakers & Producers

Global reach from small beginnings: WFFS programs launch careers and get Canadian stories seen worldwide.

Mentorship that sticks: Real connections with story editors, showrunners, producers who've been in the game—propels projects forward.whistlerfilmfestival.com

Next-level pitches & labs: E.g., the 2025 Producers Lab International (Emerald Lens) includes an Ireland mission, mentorship, and stage time at the fest.whistlerfilmfestival.com