Oscar-nominated Canadian director Deepa Mehta will chair the jury of the Whistler Film Festival's (WFF) 2016 Borsos competition for Best Canadian Feature.
She is also bringing her latest film, Anatomy of Violence, to the festival, which takes place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4.
A respected filmmaker, Mehta last year won the Clyde Gilmour Award from the Toronto Film Critics Association for enriching the understanding and appreciation of film as a medium.
WFF also announced the first 13 films to be shown at the festival, including Mr. Zaritsky in TV, Melody Makers: Should Have Been There, Hockey Night, Victor Walk, Mostly Sunny, Kiss and Cry, and Raw. Four are world premieres.
As well, five honourees were given a spotlight at WFF's summer celebration fundraiser in Vancouver on Wednesday, Aug. 31.
Actors Gabrielle Rose (The Birdwatcher) and Mary Galloway (Unintentional Mother) were presented with the Maven Award and Talent to Watch Award respectively.
Academy Award-winning visual effects manager Warren Franklin was given an Industry Toast, while the BC Creates Toast went to the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of British Columbia.
The BC's Got Talent Spotlight introduced indigenous filmmaker Allan W. Hopkins, a recipient of WFF's Aboriginal Filmmaker Fellowship in 2015 for his film Indian Road Trip.
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.whistlerfilmfestival.com.
Whistler Music Search seeks performers
Are you a musician in Whistler ready to compete with the best local performers?
The Crystal Lounge wants to hear from you.
Its annual Whistler Music Search takes place over four Thursdays at the Crystal, Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27.
Solo, duos and full bands are welcome to take part.
A different roster of bands perform over the first three weeks, with the winners and wildcards of each week moving on to the final on Oct. 27.
First prize includes studio time at Sound & Soul Studios, a photo shoot by David Fournier Photography and $500 cash — a total value of $2,500.
Second place is a Takamine acoustic/electric guitar, a live on-air performance at Whistler FM and gigs at the Crystal.
This year there is an additional prize — The Dave Morris Award for Originality in Music, created in the memory of late Whistler musician Dr. Dave.
Host is musician and actor Jon Shrier.
The 2015 winner was Emily Molloy, who performs solo and with the Will Ross Band — the winner in 2014.
Those wanting to take part can contact Shrier at jonshrier@gmail.com.
