4 reasons why you should go to the Whistler Film Festival

Five days of international films, industry connections, awards ceremonies, and music showcases.

It sounds like the perfect film festival. And from November 30 to December 4, film fans will descend on Whistler to experience it.

There will be 86 films premiering – some of which are even rumoured to be Oscar bound – and a number of unique industry initiatives. The film festival will be studded with stars, and filled with epic events.

But not everyone who is coming to the Whistler Film Festival will be there just for the movies.

Whistler offers so much more, and that’s what makes it an awesome place to host international festivals. The astounding natural beauty, the quaint but vibrant atmosphere of the town, the plethora of activities to enjoy on your downtime – that’s what makes Whistler special.

We’ve found four reasons why you should head out to Whistler for its 16th annual film festival, and those reasons aren’t just for the stellar filmmaking.

The scenery

Whistler is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, and it’s largely because of its spectacular natural beauty. From wherever you are in Whistler, the crisp mountain air rushes around you, the mountains stand tall against a blue sky, and clear lakes dot the landscape. After emerging from a dark theatre into a starry night sky, Whistler is the place that makes you understand why our province is called Beautiful British Columbia.

The village

Anytime of year, Whistler Village is a hub of activity. Residents and tourists come together to enjoy the boutique restaurants and local shops, and the area buzzes with activity. During the Whistler Film Festival, you’ll not only get the Village vibe, but also a chance to meet some of the filmmakers. More than 1,000 members of the international film industry are expected to come to the Whistler Film Festival summit, so don’t be surprised if you see the producer of your new favourite short hanging out at the same coffee shop as you.

The value

When you visit Whistler at this time of year, you get so much more value for your dollar. The film festival gives you a range of package options for your entrance to the festival, so you can choose how much you want to see. And the accommodations are affordable too, starting at less than $99 a night in some cases, so why not extend your trip another couple days so you can enjoy everything else Whistler has to offer.

The extras

Even with 86 different films and a ton of industry events, galas, and parties, you won’t want to spend all your time thinking about film. That’s what makes Whistler such an amazing place to host these kind of festivals – you can enjoy the films, and then go out and enjoy everything else. Why not go for a ski before you head out to the awards ceremony? Or maybe spend a few hours at a spa after you watch the premier of a BC film? The options are endless.

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The Whistler Film Festival is a world class festival on its own. But experiencing it in a place like Whistler makes it so much more.

It becomes not just about the local and global efforts of filmmakers, pouring their passion into original and innovative art. It’s about the experience of being in Whistler, enjoying these films. The Whistler Film Festival becomes a vacation unto itself, and that’s pretty special.

Tickets for the Whistler Film Festival start at just $15 for individual films, $20 for events, and $50 for a package, and go on sale on November 15.

Whistler Film Festival 2016

When: November 30 to December 4

Where: Whistler, British Columbia

Price: Ticket prices range from $15 to $150. Get more information online