WIFF ’23 “Lockdown” Sneak Preview Trailer Screenings for Volunteers

by Ken Pashtushyn

Volunteers for the 19th annual Windsor International Film Festival were shown over 30 movie trailers in what they call a “Lockdown” period for a couple of hours inside the Capitol Theatre last weekend. 

“We’ve been doing this for a couple of years so you at WIFF can give a lot of film recommendations,” said  Austin Di Pietro, Director of Operations and Special Events at Canada’s largest volunteer-run film festival.  

“The point is also to enhance our customer service.” 

Watching trailers is a good training tool so volunteers can have a basic understanding of what the films  are about when interacting with moviegoers. 

“What we are going to do tonight is walk you through a smattering of films,” said Vincent Georgie, WIFF’s  executive director and chief programmer. 

Here is a summary of the first five trailers: 

 

THE POT AU FEU 

The French title is La Passion du Dodin Bouffant, the English-Canadian, French-sounding title is The Pot  Au Feu, and the American title is The Taste of Things. Its world premiere was at the Cannes Film Festival  earlier this year and stars Juliette Binoche, best known for her roles in The English Patient and Chocolat.  This is WIFF’s opening night film which will probably be sold out. 

 “A beautiful French-cooking film, a romance as well,” said Georgie. “You will be hungry before, during  and after.” 

 

ANATOMY OF THE FALL 

This is the Palme D’Or winner at Cannes this year, the equivalent to winning the Best Picture at the  Academy Awards, which also happens to be a major contender at the Oscars this year. The film is a third  English, a third German, and a third French, both with subtitles. 

 “It’s nicknamed ’Law and Order French Alps,’” said Georgie. “It’s a really, really good film, I think  audiences will love this one.” 

 

PRISCILLA 

A low-key film from director Sophia Coppola about Priscilla Presley and her life with Elvis. Both Cailee  Spaeny and Jacob Elordi are rising young stars. WIFF will have a pre-release.  

 “A really beautiful film,” said Georgie. “This is also a good recommendation for opening Thursday and a  good date-night movie.” 

 

ZONE OF INTEREST 

This film also had its world premiere at Cannes this year and will be released nationwide in December.  This is a World War II holocaust film set outside the family home of an SS Concentration Camp Official.  Audiences never see inside the camp, and everything is intimated. Another sure-fire contender and it arguably could be the most talked about film of the year.  

 “Some people will ask ‘is it depressing?’” said Georgie. “I say every good movie is uplifting and every bad  movie is depressing.” 

 

299 QUEEN STREET WEST 

It is the official documentary of MuchMusic, Canada’s answer to MTV. This very popular, high-energy film  made its world premiere at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas and WIFF is the only  Canadian festival that will be showing this film. All of it is archival footage and made to look like your  watching two hours of MuchMusic. Director Sean Menard as well as VJ’s Rick Campanelli and Erica Ehm  will be in attendance for a Q&A session on this closing night film. 

“It will really be quite an experience,” said Georgie. “Tickets are selling fast and the biggest seller so far.” 

 The WIFF box office is now open and free programs and schedules are available. Student ticket prices are  $13 with valid ID.  

The festival runs from Oct. 26 to Nov. 5.