Windsor's yearly celebration of film broke attendance records for its 2018 version.
The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) drew 28,574 visitors to the Capitol Theatre during its run last fall. This figure was announced at a media event Friday to coincide with its release in the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Film Circuit Yearbook.
Vincent Georgie, WIFF's executive director and chief programmer, said the attendance only proves that Windsor has become a destination for film aficionados.
“This is a major milestone and one we’ve been eyeing since launching the Windsor International Film Festival fifteen years ago,” said Georgie. “This remarkable achievement is a testament to the passion this community has for film and to the hard work of so many dedicated volunteers. Take a bow, Windsor-Essex. You did this.”
Georgie was joined by Laura Good, manager of the TIFF Film Circuit, who marvelled at the dedication toward putting the festival together each year.
“It’s incredible what you and your volunteers have achieved in such a short time period,” said Good. “You’ve put Windsor on the map for movie-goers and this amazing festival is only going to grow more popular. We are proud to support WIFF.”
Georgie also took advantage of the media event to announce the launch of WIFF's new Canadian Film Award, which will be presented to a Canadian-made film shown at this November's WIFF with a cash prize of $10,000.
WIFF is also scheduling a free, outdoor screening of the acclaimed documentary The Russian Five as a thank-you to the community. It will take place in cooperation with LiUNA! Bluesfest Windsor on July 9 at 7 p.m. at Riverfront Festival Plaza.
The 2019 edition of WIFF is scheduled for November 1 through 10.