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The marquee is shining, the popcorn’s popping, and the red carpet has been rolled out.
The latest edition of the Windsor International Film Festival opens Thursday night, ushering in 11 days of films and festivities to commemorate 20 years of WIFF showcasing some of the finest and unforgettable cinematic moments on the big screen.
“It’s going to be particularly festive and celebratory,” Vincent Georgie, WIFF’s executive director and chief programmer, said of the beloved Windsor film festival’s milestone 20th anniversary.
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“It always is, but this one is special.”
Audiences can expect a weekend packed with Oscar contenders; awards for top films in Canadian cinema; star appearances; and standout local productions.
It’s an opportunity to step out of everyday life and escape into new worlds — for a couple of hours, or even the entire day, said Georgie.
“You have popcorn for breakfast, and you watch five films, you grab a beer, you talk to someone you’ve never met before, you go into a movie alone, and that doesn’t feel weird,” he said of the festival-going experience.
Opening night features a screening of ‘Shepherds’ by Canadian director Sophie Deraspe at 6 p.m. at the Chrysler Theatre. The film follows a young advertising executive from Montreal who leaves his fast-paced career behind to become a shepherd in the south of France.
Always follow your heart and follow where passion is
Georgie said careful consideration went into choosing a film to kick off the fest, and Shepherds — exploring themes of seeing life through a different lens and the search for happiness — left a lasting impression.
“It’s such an interesting message as we go into our next 20 years, to always follow your heart and follow where passion is,” said Georgie.
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“Not only is it just a well-made film, but it’s a film that, in the days and weeks after watching, we kept saying — ‘I still think about that film.’”
This year’s festival boasts WIFF’s largest lineup yet, with 213 feature films, giving Windsor audiences the chance to see 112 movies ahead of their wider theatrical debut.
Among the weekend’s highlights is the new four-part docu-series, The Tragically Hip: No Dress Rehearsal, screening Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. in the Chrysler Theatre. The series delves into the unique and complex brotherhood between members of the iconic Canadian rock band.
Following the screening, the film’s director, Mike Downie — older brother of late Tragically Hip frontman Gord Downie — will join former lead guitarist Rob Baker for a Q&A session.
Just ahead of the U.S. election day, the highly anticipated film exploring a young Donald Trump, portrayed by Sebastian Stan, and his rise to power under cut-throat lawyer Roy Cohn, also screens Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. at the Capitol Pentastar Theatre and Oct. 27 at 7:40 p.m. at the Chrysler Theatre.
Maria, a biopic of American-Greek soprano Maria Callas, portrayed by Academy Award-winner Angelina Jolie, is a late and exciting addition to the festival. The film about the famed opera diva screens Oct. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at the Armouries Theatre and on Oct. 25 at 1 p.m. at the Chrysler Theatre.
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The best in Windsor-Essex filmmaking will also be on display throughout the weekend with two prominent local films, including Michael Poirier’s ‘Thundersnake’ screening Oct. 24 at 9 p.m., and Mike Stasko’s ‘Vampire Zombies … From Space!’ on Oct. 26 at 8:30 p.m., both at the Chrysler Theatre.
The winner of the $25,000 Prize in Canadian Film will be selected by an independent jury of industry experts.
WIFF Tix
The festival runs until Nov. 3. For tickets, visit windsorfilmfestival.com or stop by the WIFF Box Office located at 101 University Ave. W., open daily from 12 to 6 p.m.
During the festival, the box office located next door to the Capitol Theatre opens at 8 a.m. daily and closes once the final film of the night begins.
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