WSSF 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown Recap
First time winner Kieren Kershaw stole the crowd’s hearts and took the win for both People's Choice and overall winner at the World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF)'s 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown, presented by YETI. The team received a $5,000 cash prize for First Place and a $500 Gibbons Gift Card as voted by attendees for People’s Choice.
Photo by Oisin McHugh
The 72 Hour Filmmaker Showdown, presented by YETI, challenged creators to write, shoot, and edit a short film between 3–5 minutes in just 72 hours, all within a 100 km radius of Whistler. Participants could use any recording device, and all entries had to incorporate a specific prop—in this year’s case, a plastic frisbee. A panel of industry experts and past winners judged the films based on storytelling, creativity, originality, and grassroots grit.
This event marked the kickoff to WSSF’s renowned multimedia programming. On Tuesday, April 9, the Pro Photographer Showdown, presented by Arc’teryx, will spotlight the work of some of the world’s leading outdoor and action sports photographers.
The multimedia series wraps up on Wednesday, April 10, with Intersection, presented by Arc’teryx. Six teams of creative snow sport filmmakers will showcase the results of one month of shooting, editing, and post-production as they compete for $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000 in cash prizes.
WSSF also features a jam-packed lineup of sporting and musical events that celebrate mountain culture in all its forms. Key events include:
• The Grind, an urban street-style rail jam produced by Canada Snowboard, is taking place at the base of Whistler Mountain in Skiers Plaza. Running from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday, April 10 through Saturday, April 12, this high-energy spectacle features top skiers and snowboarders from around the world going head-to-head as they battle it out for a hefty prize purse.
• The Saudan Couloir Race Extreme, presented by Helly Hansen, returns on Friday, April 11, challenging competitors to take on one of Whistler’s most iconic—and steepest—descents.
• The Slush Cup, presented by Corona, wraps up the weekend on Sunday, April 13, bringing costumes, chaos, and plenty of splashdowns to the spring ski scene.
• The Outdoor Live Music Series, presented by Rockstar, will light up the Skullcandy Stage from 2:30 – 5:00 PM, April 10–13, with performances by Ruby Waters, Fort Knox Five Live, Swollen Members, Shred Kelly, and more!
• And the party doesn’t stop when the sun goes down—WSSF After Dark keeps the energy high with world-renowned DJs performing at venues throughout Whistler every night of the festival. From intimate club takeovers to big-name sets, After Dark promises seven nights of unforgettable music experiences.
Born from a passion for all things mountain culture, the World Ski & Snowboard Festival has been the ultimate après of the winter season since 1996. The annual celebration of snow sports, music, art, and community continues to highlight Whistler’s global reputation as a hub for creativity and adventure.
WSSF gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Resort Municipality of Whistler through the Resort Municipality Initiative, as well as the contributions of Tourism Whistler, Gibbons Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Arc'teryx, Rockstar Energy Drink, Ketel One, DUER, Skullcandy, Ruroc Helmets, Burton, YETI, Forecast Ski Magazine, King Snow Magazine, Helly Hansen, Corona, Encore Whistler, and Flashback Whistler Photo Booth.
For full festival details and updates, visit wssf.com.