Moving Pictures makes its return to the resort in November, and this year, the weekend of Canadian films will have a unique Whistler component.
Local film buffs were disappointed last spring by the postponement of Moving Pictures from its regular appearance during the World Ski and Snowboard Festival in April. Organizers felt the showcase of Canadian films and shorts would lose impact amongst the activities of the festival.
However, the film tour is returning and Whistler producers have added an evening just for local filmmakers.
The Mountain Film Series is an opportunity for those in the Sea to Sky corridor to have their films shown on the big screen. Ski Bums, a National Film Board of Canada produced film shot and directed locally, is the first to be confirmed for the new showcase. It profiles the trials and triumphs of nine Whistler ski bums.
The first titles to be confirmed for Moving Pictures include Hochelaga, Grass, Waydowntown, Maelstrom, Café Ole and We All Fall Down.
Additional submissions of local shorts are encouraged. Films should be 10 minutes or less and must be selected by festival directors for admission into the showcase. VHS tapes can be mailed to Box 1085, 318-2222 Castle Drive, Whistler, BC V0N 1B0. Please do not send original copies as tapes will not be returned. There is no entry fee.
It should be noted the Nov. 14-18 festival was originally slotted for MY Place, however, organizers have relocated to the Whistler Conference Centre.
"Millennium Place just can’t accommodate 35mm film," marketing director, Shauna Hardy, said.
The 250-seat theatre may have also have been too small to accommodate their audiences. Hardy produced the premiere of the film, Kranked 2, which drew over 1,300 people to the Chateau Whistler.
"I think we’re going to get at least 1,000 people for the Mountain Film Series, especially for the film Ski Bums," adds Hardy.
