Whistler, BC (November 3, 2022) – The RE:U:NITE Gala returns during the 22nd edition of the Whistler Film Festival (WFF) with an extraordinary celebration of film and music. WFF has unveiled its first round of honourees and entertainment lineup that features British Columbia born Jason Priestley and Vancouver based industry veteran Peter Leitch, with Juno winners Prevail and Said the Whale, and Ethiopia-born, Whistler-based emerging artist ZADA confirmed to perform. The Festival’s annual benefit will support the 80 Canadian artists and filmmakers participating in WFF’s talent programs.
- Acclaimed Actor and Director Jason Priestley and Industry Veteran Peter Leitch to be honoured.
- Juno winners Prevail and Said the Whale plus emerging artist ZADA to perform.
“We’re thrilled to be able to reunite to celebrate the power of film and music at this upcoming Whistler Film Festival, recognize our talented honourees and artists, and support the Canadian artists and filmmakers participating in our talent programs,” says Shauna Hardy, Whistler Film Festival Society Founder, Board Member, and RE:U:NITE Gala Co-Chair.
Acclaimed actor and director Jason Priestley will receive WFF’s Founders Award. Named for Shauna Hardy and Kasi Lubin who founded the Whistler Film Festival in 2001, the Founders Award celebrates a Canadian whose creative and industrious accomplishments have contributed significantly to advancing screen-based arts and culture in Canada. Affectionately known as the ‘King of Canada,’ the Vancouver-born talent has worked for more than three decades in all aspects of film and television as an actor, director and producer, amassing an extensive list of credits and accolades that include being inducted to Canada’s Walk of Fame. Best known for Beverly Hills, 90210, Call Me Fitz and Private Eyes, Priestley delivered his feature film directorial debut CAS & DYLAN at the festival in 2013, and is returning with his directorial documentary debut, OFFSIDE: THE HAROLD BALLARD STORY. He was also WFF’s inaugural Ambassador.
Industry veteran Peter Leitch will be the inaugural recipient of the WFF’s Industry Champion Award. This award celebrates an outstanding member of the British Columbia entertainment industry, who has shown extraordinary leadership in and promotion of the sector. For over three decades, Vancouver-based Leitch’s business leadership included being President of North Vancouver’s North Shore Studios and Burnaby’s Mammoth Studio, and Chairman of the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of B.C. He will be recognized for his countless contributions to the province’s entertainment industry, and unwavering commitment to supporting domestic filmmakers through multiple corporate and philanthropic partnerships as well as programs including the MPPIA Short Film Award at WFF. 2022 marks the 14th edition of that program, which has directly supported 65 BC filmmakers from a field of more than 300 applicants to create 13 calling card short films successfully produced with $195,000 in cash awards and $1.3 million production services.
An impressive lineup of BC artists, presented by Dan Friesen Smith PREC of The Dream Team, will hit the stage to deliver highly entertaining musical performances at the RE:U:NITE Gala. The entertainment lineup features four-time JUNO Award winning Canadian hip hop and spoken word artist, Prevail who will deliver a bespoke performance, Ethiopia-born, Whistler-based emerging artist ZADA, and Indie rock band Said The Whale have earned their place in the Canadian music pantheon, winning a JUNO Award, topping the alternative radio charts, and amassing a devoted base of fans all the while maintaining their resolute independent spirit.
Taking place on December 3 at 7PM at the Whistler Conference Centre, RE:U:NITE Gala guests will be treated to an inspiring evening hosted by ‘Vancouver’s Man About Town’ Fred Lee featuring an opening reception, curated culinary experience, and after party, complemented by signature awards presentations, special guests, live music, and heartfelt moments showcasing WFF’s impact. The Gala will also feature an in-person raffle, and an online silent auction which opens for bidding on November 20 and closes on December 3 at 10 PM.
Proceeds raised will directly benefit the 80 Canadian artists and filmmakers, including screenwriters, producers, directors and actors, participating in WFF’s annual slate of ten talent programs designed to provide creative and business immersion experiences to advance their projects and craft leading up to and during the festival.
WFF recently announced that Indigenous singer-songwriter and activist Buffy Sainte-Marie, who is attending the festival with an intimate live-streamed conversation about her life and career, and a screening of the new documentary film, BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE: CARRY IT ON, will receive WFF’s Luminary Award. Stay tuned for more WFF’s Signature Series honouree announcements.
Tables and tickets for the RE:U:NITE Gala are now available at whistlerfilmfestival.com/support/reunite.
The Whistler Film Festival takes place November 30 to December 4, 2022 in Whistler and continues online from December 5 to January 2, 2023. For more information, please go to the Whistler Film Festival’s website.
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