01 Nov Whistler Film Festival
Whistler Film Festival. It’s Canada’s answer to Sundance, but we have Caesars, our beer has more alcohol, and our mountain had a starring role in the Olympics!
Sure, you’ve been up to Whistler for some world-class skiing and snowboarding, but we think it’s about time you checked out this amazing film fest that’s happening up there later this month. There’s something about taking in the films, panels, and parties that makes this place even more magical than usual.
This year, WFF is going big and opening with La La Land, an Oscar-buzz-worthy film starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone which got rave reviews at TIFF. If the Hollywood scene isn’t your thing, then don’t worry, there are still loads of Canadian and international features and documentaries for you to cozy up to. The BC shot film Raw tells the story of a drug-addicted teen against the backdrop of Salt Spring Island. Skip over to the Australian documentary The Will to Fly about Australian ski-jumper Lydia Lassila as she trains to complete a quadruple twisting triple somersault jump. Yes, believe it or not, Australia does have snow and a ski team! You can see the full lineup here.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an industry insider, film buff, or a ski bum. The laid-back atmosphere of Whistler Blackcomb welcomes you. In your downtime, you might want to try one of the other interesting, different, and unique activities this mountain town has to offer.
- Snowshoeing: if you’ve never tried this, then now is the time. It’s a guaranteed workout even if you are in good shape and a beautiful way to enjoy the scenery.
- The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre: this place is fabulous. It’s a little museum that no one knows about. I went there a few years ago and had an amazing time. I saw things I had only read about in history books, and made a cool bracelet out of bark!
- Bobsleigh and Skeleton Experience at the Whistler Sliding Centre: you can slide down the same tracks as the Olympic athletes! It’s not set to open until Dec 12, but with Whistler’s projected early snowfall, it will hopefully open early.
- Ice Climbing: climb Whistler via ladders and cables to get an amazing view and sense of exhilaration and achievement.
- The Whistler Olympic Park: if thrill-seeking adventure isn’t your thing, then take a tour of the Olympic Park and venues from the 2010 Olympics.
- The Longhorn Saloon and Grill: at the mountain bases of Whistler and Blackcomb, in what was the original village, it’s been around since 1981. No trip is complete without a lunch or an evening out at this place.
- As Vancouverites, we are blessed to have this gem of a ski resort in our midst, and every year it sparkles a little more when the glitz of Hollywood arrives there. Grab yourself a cup of java and take the short drive up to see this wonderful film festival in the mountains. You’ll make it there even before your coffee gets cold!
The festival showcases 86 films and runs from November 30 – December 4. Book with special WFF partners for preferred rates on accommodation.
A Snow Capped Christmas
Airs on W Network, Nov. 14 at 3pm
When champion figure skater Claire becomes injured, she is sent to a rehabilitation center in the snowy mountains, where she meets and falls for a local ice fisherman who shows her there is more to life than competition.
Ice
Premieres on Audience Network, Nov. 16
Training Day director Antoine Fuqua’s series about the diamond trade: the lives of an LA-based family of diamond traders becomes embroiled in turmoil when one of their family members kills a prominent diamond dealer.
Every Christmas Has a Story
Airs on Hallmark, Nov. 18 at 10pm
When a TV personality has an on-air snafu and admits she hates Christmas, she is invited to the Most Christmassy town in the US to try and repair her image. When she’s forced to work with her ex-boyfriend the magic of Christmas and this special town will change the way she views Christmas and her life.
Bachelorette Canada Finale & After the Rose
Airs on W Network, Nov. 22 at 9pm
Does Jasmine, Canada’s Bachelorette, find true love? She started with 20 bachelors, and now it’s time for her to choose her Mr. Right. Make sure to tune in to the series finale.Don’t forget about the juicy and revealing After the Final Rose show that follows to spill all the secrets.
Hearts of Christmas
Airs on Hallmark, Dec. 4 at 9pm
When a beloved neonatal intensive care unit supervisor is forced to take early retirement, her young colleague, Jenny, decides to turn the upcoming staff Christmas party into a surprise celebration for her… but the plan is complicated by the hospital’s new CFO, who’s been tasked with cutting costs.
Dirk Gently Holistic Detective Agency
Airs on BBC America, Saturdays at 9pm
Corpses, cops, trap, cult, assassins, Pararibulitis, vampires, lottery ticket, kitten, corgi… EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED! Welcome to the world of BBC AMERICA’s Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency; a trippy mystery that thrusts a reluctant sidekick into the bizarre world of an unconventional detectives.
Howard Lovecraft & The Frozen Kingdom
Available now for digital download on iTunes
After visiting his father in Arkham Sanitarium, young Howard Lovecraft ignores his father’s warning and uses the legendary Necronomicon to open a portal to a strange, frozen world filled with horrifying creatures and grave danger.
Spirit Unforgettable
Available now for digital download on iTunes
The touching story of Spirit of the West front man John Mann and his battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. With the support of his wife, he and his nearly lifelong bandmates decide to give their fans a goodbye, and possibly final, performance at Massey Hall.
