Whistler Film Festival (WFF) is gearing up for one of its most exciting runs yet, with an unforgettable lineup of over 100 films and anticipated celebrity appearances. The 24th annual celebration of Canadian cinema runs from December 4 to 8 in Whistler, BC. 

Central to WFF’s mission is fostering a culture of equity, inclusion, and diversity—upholding gender parity, and the experiences of racialized communities and traditionally marginalized groups to reflect diversity in its programs and share diverse stories on the screen. This year’s programming highlights a number of powerful perspectives from the LGBTQ+ community. 

Really Happy Someday: Z (a trans masculine singer) bombs a pivotal musical theatre audition, unable to control his voice after starting testosterone nine months earlier. To save his own life and livelihood, Z must rediscover himself and his voice. The film is written and directed by Calgary-born J Stevens, who is one of the first openly non-binary filmmakers in the Directors Guild of Canada; Playback Magazine named them one of the "Top 10 Filmmakers to Watch" in 2022. The film, which highlights the struggles of gender transition and provides insight into struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, stars Breton Lalama and makes its BC premiere at WFF24.

Sweet Angel Baby: Eliza is an unassuming and beloved member of a small fishing community in Newfoundland who sees all of her relationships put in jeopardy after her secret social media persona, and private relationship with Toni, is exposed. Written and directed by Melanie Oates, the women-led film and East Coast production stars Michaela Kurimsky and Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers. It makes its Western Canadian premiere at WFF24. 

Queer: Based on the 1985 William S. Burroughs novel of the same name, this co-production by Italy and the US is directed by Luca Guadagnino. The film follows Lee, who recounts his life in Mexico City with American expatriate college students and bar owners. It stars Daniel Craig, Lesley Manville, Drew Starkey, and Jason Schartzman, and makes its Western Canadian premiere at WFF24. 

The Legend in Me: The Conachers are known as the “First Family of Hockey,” with three Toronto brothers inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. This documentary shares the story of grandchild Lionel Conacher IV, who, following a difficult adolescence and prescription drug addiction, has embraced a queer and non-binary identity. The film, which includes interviews with Wayne Gretzky and other hockey legends, is directed by Edmonton’s Calvin Hwang. It makes its Canadian premiere at WFF24. 

Whistler Film Festival is one of the most highly-respected and recognized film festivals in North America, proudly elevating Canadian content and domestic talent worldwide. Taking place every December, the festival presents feature and short films, with Oscar contenders, breakthrough Canadian titles, heart-stopping adventure films, and award-winning stories from around the globe. Unique industry initiatives and lively events round out this celebration of Canadian cinema set in North America’s premier mountain resort destination. Tickets and passes to WFF24 are available for purchase now.