Barbara Hager and Beth Janson Join Canadian Whistler Film Festival Society’s Board of Directors
The Whistler Film Festival Society (WFFS), based in British Columbia, Canada, has strengthened its board of directors with the addition of two new members: Barbara Hager, an award-winning Métis-Cree producer, director, and founder of Acimow Media, and Beth Janson, a seasoned film executive and principal of Penn Road Advisors. Their appointments, confirmed at the annual general meeting held on August 28, 2024, are for three-year terms.
Hager, a significant figure in Indigenous media in Canada, is known for her groundbreaking work as a producer and director, including television series such as "1491: The Untold Story of the Americas Before Columbus", which won multiple Leo Awards. She is also in production on feature documentaries "Forbidden Music" and "Leaving Beringia". With a strong background in Indigenous storytelling and media leadership, Hager’s contributions are expected to enrich the festival’s commitment to amplifying Indigenous voices.
Beth Janson brings extensive international experience from her tenure at leading institutions such as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Tribeca Film Institute. She has played pivotal roles in supporting filmmakers and fostering innovation in film-related initiatives. Janson’s leadership and strategic expertise will help guide the Whistler Film Festival as it approaches its milestone 25th anniversary in 2025.
WFFS board chair Sue Brouse expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, stating, “We’re thrilled to welcome strong industry and Indigenous leadership to the board. Barbara and Beth’s expertise, combined with our current board members, will allow us to continue elevating Canadian talent and building strong relationships across the industry.”
The current 2024-25 board of directors of the Whistler Film Festival Society includes Sue Brouse (chair), Rob Larson (vice-chair), John Ritchie (secretary), Liane Bedard (treasurer), and other prominent figures from the film and business sectors. The society also extended its gratitude to outgoing board member and WFF founder, Shauna Hardy, for her years of dedicated service.
The Whistler Film Festival + Content Summit will be held in December, with passes and ticket packages available for purchase starting September 25, 2024. The full lineup of films will be announced on November 5.