Media Convergence – Windsor International Film Festival offers a WIFF of something deeper
The Capitol Theatre in Windsor, Ontario prepares for “The World Before Her” on opening night of the Windsor International Film Festival. November 7, 2012
By Aaron Wrotkowski
William Ma presents his Windsor International Film Festival ticket before entering the Pentastar room in the Capitol Theatre. November 7, 2012.
Stepping into the Capitol Theatre in Windsor, one could feel there was something in the air.
“Do you not feel the excitement? Do you not see the crowd? Do you not feel this is just some ordinary night at the theatre? This is opening night of the Windsor International Film Festival,” said Peter Coady, the Executive Director of the Windsor International Film Festival.
“It creates kind of a buzz in this community that is nice to see.”
The Windsor International Film Festival kicked off on Thursday in the Capitol Theatre in Windsor with a line up to the outside of film goers looking for an experience beyond what they would find in a mall or a major theatre chain. The not for profit organization known as WIFF was first established in 2009 to help build the audience for Canadian and international films as well as showcase talent from the area.
“They show adult films,” said Nancy Pollard, who is attending her third WIFF with the premiere. “They are intellectual, they are great, they are about people.”
The audience for opening night was predominantly a mature crowd, many of whom purchased wine before the start of the film. Serving alcohol at the theatre is one of the features that makes WIFF different from a chain theatre.
“I enjoy these films so much compared to the ones in the mainstream media. It’s for people who are looking for something deeper,” said Diane Doyle, who plans to see eleven films by the end of the festival.
The opening night film is the Canadian documentary The World Before Her by Nisha Pahuja. The film won best new documentary feature at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York and best Canadian feature at Hot Docs. Tomorrow, WIFF will present Riot by Windsor filmmaker Kyle Mosonyi.
“Film festivals are for film lovers,” said Vincent Georgie, the marketing director of WIFF. “Anyone that takes a look at our program will find a film they will love.”
The film festival will run until November 11 closing with Easy Money at the Capitol. Tickets can be purchased at the Capitol Theatre or online at www.wiff12.com
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