A well-known figure in the Windsor-Essex arts scene has been rewarded for his commitment to the film industry.
Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) Executive Director and Chief Programmer Vincent Georgie was appointed by Ontario Lieutenant Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell to serve on the board of directors of Ontario Creates, a government agency dedicated to investment in various arts and media.
Georgie has been at the helm of WIFF since 2013 and helped grow the event into the largest volunteer-run film festival in Canada. He is also on the faculty of the University of Windsor, where he teaches marketing at the Odette School of Business and serves as the director of the School of Creative Arts.
"It's a tremendous honour to be appointed to a board that has such a tangible impact on arts and culture in our province," said Georgie in a media release. "I'm proud to be part of such an impressive team."
Marty Beneteau, chair of the WIFF Board of Directors, said Georgie's appointment was a no-brainer.
"Vincent brings a jolt of electricity to everything he touches and the whole WIFF board of directors congratulates him wholeheartedly," said Beneteau. "Vincent joins Ontario Creates as the only board member actively involved in a film festival, bringing his experience with WIFF, and within the industry as a whole to this provincial appointment."
Ontario Creates is overseen by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport. Its chief purpose is to provide support for economic development in various disciplines, such as film, television, music, publishing, and digital media. According to Ontario Creates, the province's film and television industries created over 29,000 jobs in 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and contributed over $1.5-billion to Ontario's economy.
Board members are offered three-year terms with the chance of reappointment.