The Whistler Film Festival announced its industry programming line up and first wave of guests last week.
The Content Summit will run as part of the festival from Nov. 28 until Dec. 2, featuring four themed days with 30 interactive sessions. The goal is to offer filmmakers practical information and education for their career. The summit will include keynote speakers and panel discussions on topics like finance, marketing, distribution and technology.
Guests range from Bill Bromiley, president of Saban Films, to Mehernaz Lentin, senior director of CBC Films and Kathleen Meek, manager of original content, drama and factual at Corus Entertainment, to name just a few.
"The Whistler Film Festival's Content Summit is an established and well-recognized event for Canadian industry and talent looking to expand their network and gain insights into a rapidly-evolving media environment," said Julie Di Cresce, WFF's director of industry programming. "High-level executives and creatives now make Whistler a can't-miss destination on their fall festival circuit."
For more information, and the full industry line up, visit whistlerfilmfestival.com.
WSS grads host film fundraiser
To help hype the ski season—and fundraise for a good cause—Whistler Secondary School's graduating class is hosting a pair of film screenings.
On Saturday, Oct. 27, catch Before Blank—which features several local professional skiers recounting their athletic journey—as well as Whistler Blackcomb's Magnetic, billed as the world's first full-length ski and snowboard movie filmed in one ski area.
Both movies feature local athletes prominently and some—including Stan Rey—will be on hand to sign posters at the event, alongside Before Blank producer Jeff Thomas.
There will also be a 50/50 draw, swag and more. Money raised will go to grad scholarships, a school legacy and the class' dry grad. Blank Collective Films donated the screening of Before Blank to the Class of 2019, while other sponsors include Salomon, Tourism Whistler, Pique, Forecast Magazine and Gibbons.
Doors for the event—taking place at the Rainbow Theatre—are 6:30 p.m. with the show at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 available at tinyurl.com/ycbadd3t.
Independent book awards announced
Two authors walked away from the Whistler Writers Festival earlier this month with a new award to their names.
The winners of this year's Whistler Independent Book Awards were unveiled as part of the festival to honour excellence in Canadian self-publishing.
The prize for fiction went to A Wake for the Dreamland by Edmonton writer Laurel Deedrick-Mayne while the non-fiction winner was Regina's Mark Cote for his book That Lucky Old Son.
