Film festival diversifies Windsor
Executive director Vincent Georgie stands in the lobby of the Capitol Theatre where the Windsor International Film Festival is taking place. (Photo by Kaylee Campbell)
By: Kaylee Campbell
Blitz Story: Film Festival Impact on Windsor
11/07/2014
Film festival diversifies Windsor
Windsor’s culture, community and businesses have benefited from the diversity of the 10th annual Windsor International Film Festival.
The festival showcases a range of films that have not otherwise been screened, including some films that will never appear in theatres again, according to Vincent Georgie, the executive director of the festival.
WIFF is a cultural, non-profit event which promotes the cultural economy within Windsor.
“The festival increases the livability and quality of life in this city,” said Georgie. “It makes you want to be here.”
Local businesses profit off of the festival as it attracts high volumes of patrons to the downtown core according to Georgie.
“The festival puts life and money into the city,” said Georgie. “It increases business as well as curiosity in the arts.”
WIFF relies heavily on volunteer work and the contribution of local filmmakers. Volunteers work towards expanding the local arts and culture community through their involvement.
“We want to put Windsor on the map,” said Katie Sulatycki, first time volunteer with WIFF. “It’s good exposure and it represents Windsor’s multiculturalism.”
The festival is drawing crowds from a variety of cultures with a selection of foreign films. This year, there are more than 100 films shown from 26 countries.
With Windsor being a border city to Detroit, many of the arts and cultural aspects are spread across the border. Both Sulatycki and Georgie believe Windsor has its own distinct identity that is built up through events such as WIFF.
“Of course Detroit impacts Windsor’s art scene,” Georgie said. “We have a distinct culture but we feed off of Detroit’s vibe as well.”
WIFF has seen success in Canada while being recognized as one of the Top 100 festivals in the province according to Festivals and Events Ontario.
“The production of the festival itself is a show within a show.” said Sulatycki. “It opens up a whole new scene for our community for volunteers and film-makers and if it never ended, I would be happy doing this forever.”
Georgie hopes to see the festival continue to grow and benefit both business and culture respectively.
“We’re excited about the future of the film festival,” said George.
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