Closing weekend film suggestions for WIFF ’24

By Kenneth Pastushyn.

We are approaching the closing weekend of the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) and the  

LIUNA!625 People’s Choice Award screening will take place on Nov. 3. 

 

There is a movie for everyone, whether it be a documentary, critically acclaimed drama, experimental  

film, foreign-film with subtitles or a popcorn-movie. 

 

If you can’t make up your mind, Andrew Kidd, 49, a volunteer at the WIFF box office information booth  

will be happy to offer a few suggestions. 

 

Fri., Nov. 1 

 

Eno, according to Kidd, is probably the most unique film at WIFF this year. He said he has already seen it  

once and plans to see it again on Friday evening.  

 

Vincent Georgie, WIFF’s executive director and chief programmer said this documentary about music  

producer Brian Eno is very experimental. Artificial intelligence is used to make this film, which has  

never happened before. The film is edited differently every time with a new variation on every  

screening. 

 

“Both screenings are different from one another, and this is true all over the world,” said Kidd. “It’s  

going to be fascinating to see how each edit turns out.” 

 

 

Kidd would also like to see Presence, the horror film from director Steven Soderbergh which stars Lucy  

Lui. 

 

Georgie refers to this experimental film as a “haunted-house thriller.” 

 

“But because it’s by Steven Soderbergh, you can expect a few surprises along the way,” said Kidd. “It’s  

Soderberg’s direction that makes it unique.” 

 

Sat. Nov. 2 

 

The only film Kidd will see today is a documentary about the subculture of private film collectors. It’s  

called Film Is Dead. Long Live Film! 

 

Technically, the films the private collectors are trying to preserve are copyrighted by the studio and  

many of them have been forgotten inside their vaults. 

 

“The studios had no regard for the movies and the people that made them,” said Kidd. “In some cases  

they allowed the films to disintegrate or throw them away altogether.” 

 

If you want to see what Georgie calls “a really good thriller” and a “popcorn movie,” be sure to see The  

Wasp. 

 

“I’ve heard good things about this one,” said Kidd. “Naomi Harris and Natalie Dorner gave powerhouse  

performances.” 

 

Coming to WIFF is Anora, which won this year’s Palme D’ Or Award at the Canne Film Festival. (The  

equivalent to Best Picture at the Oscars). Smart, well-acted, very entertaining, very funny and very  

popular are the words Georgie used to describe this film. 

 

“A buzzy film during awards season,” said Georgie. “A major Oscar nominee.” 

 

Kidd warns about Anora being too explicit for some moviegoers, especially for those who blush easily.  

He recommends the French film Bolero. 

 

“This has nothing to do with the awful Bo Derek movie,” said Kidd. “It’s about the composer Maurice  

Ravel and the creation of his musical masterpiece.” 

 

Sun., Nov. 3 

 

The Sunday feel-good movie is The Great Escaper starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson, who  

recently passed away. 

 

“It will probably be the last movie you will see starring Michael Caine,” said Kidd. “He’s pushing 90 and  

retiring from acting.” 

 

WIFF’s closing night film is Conclave starring Ralph Fiennes. It is also from the same filmmakers of All  

Quiet on the Western Front, shown at the festival two years ago. 

 

“From what I’m told, it’s a powerful story about Vatican politics,” said Kidd. 

 

For Georgie, it was an easy recommendation. 

 

“People will love it,” said Georgie. “An Oscar contender.” 

 

A free screening of this year’s LIUNA!625 People’s Choice Award winner will be at the Capitol Theatre  

Sun., Nov. 3 at 6 p.m.