THIS YEAR’S WINNER IS: SANDY WARD!!
Crankworx and Whistler Blackcomb celebrate the creative spirit, and storytelling culture of mountain biking in this video throw-down that’s produced some iconic content over the years.
Six filmmakers bring us the ride of our lives this summer, showcasing a slice of one athlete’s diary. These four to six-minute videos begin production early summer and hit the big screen during Crankworx Whistler. Teams must include the Whistler Valley and Whistler Mountain Bike Park in a quarter of their film—from there it’s free creative licence. They choose the size and scope of their team, their supports, their geographical boundaries. This is the blank canvas of the Crankworx culture beat, shining the spotlight on shooters on the cutting edge of their game.
Location: Whistler Olympic Plaza – Free spectators’ viewing at Whistler Olympic Plaza and bike valet will be available.
Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Started in: 2012
Past winners: Leo Zukerman (2012), Richie Schley and Leo Zuckerman (2013), Ross Measures and Matt Dennison (2014), Kyle Norbraten and IFHT Films (2015), Dylan Forbes and Mitch Gulliver (2016), Micayla Gatto & IFHT Films (2017), Damien Vergez (2018), Damien Vergez (2019), Peter Wojnar (2022)
2023 winner: Kelsey Toevs
2024 Dirt Diaries Contestants
Ashley Stewart
Hi, I’m Ashley! A Squamish based sports filmmaker and photographer with a passion for capturing the amazing strength and spirit of women in sports. I believe that by sharing these powerful narratives, we can inspire future generations of women to pursue their passion in sports fearlessly. Driven by my love for adventure and fun, I’m all about highlighting the determination, resilience, and sheer joy in the great outdoors.
Griffin Elsley + Ryder Bulfone
Griffin Elsley is a lifelong photography enthusiast and adventurer. He enjoys getting on the trails as much as he does getting behind the lens. Driven by a desire to showcase the extreme nature of action sports, Griffin has lived through many of the same experiences as the athletes he films, offering a unique perspective to create from. Ryder is 21 year old biker and skier. Better known as FlowRyder, he is defined by his creative and technical approach to both sports. He loves creating unique content and is working to produce this project with his pal griffin. They are both very stoked to be a part of Dirt Diaries.
Ed Masters
Ed Masters and the Vanzacs are a motley crew of Anzac (Aussies and Kiwis) mountain bikers who became lifelong friends travelling the world racing bikes, living in vans and enjoying themselves everywhere they went. Since its inception in 2015 both Ed and the Vanzacs have always documented their antics and kept the bike world entertained with their carefree attitude towards life on the road. After a brief hiatus from Whistler the original team is back for Dirt Diaries redemption after coming up one place short in 2016 with their legendary video “The Hangover”. Who knows what they’ll bring to the table, but we can be almost certain that it’s going to be entertainment at its finest.
Laurent Bilodeau
I am a director and DoP, from Montreal, QC, Canada, but based out of Squamish, BC. I’ve been in the adventure and action sports films industry for over a decade. It’s always an honnor to showcase people’s talent through my vision.
Liam Wallace
Liam Wallace is a British Columbia-based filmmaker and photographer who specializes in capturing mountain biking and outdoor adventure. He is known for his dynamic and creative approach to capturing the sport, and has worked with a range of clients in the mountain bike industry, including brands, teams, and publications.
Sandy Ward
Sandy is an Indigenous creative from the Líl’wat nation. She brings people together to create rad films that showcase local Indigenous talent. As a youth she wanted to be involved in the sports industry as an athlete but didn’t see it as a career so she went to film school in hopes of creating snowboard films. She became an athlete… which suppressed the ideas of being behind the camera. After a semi successful career as an athlete her thoughts turned towards film again. As the creative producer of the award winning film Slides on the Mountain she is now full throttle toward creating films that recognize the local youth and lands we recreate on.
Kúkwstumckálap (Thank you)