Windsor International Film Festival returns to Windsor

By Elliott St. Aubin

Windsor International Film Festival is back yet again for their 19th annual festival. 

After 19 years of dedication to presenting outstanding films year after year, WIFF has become a staple in the Windsor community. This year WIFF will be showcasing 300 screenings of feature films and short film with a wide variety of different genres.  

“There’s really something for everybody, whether you’re into comedy, action, drama, documentary, horror we’ve got that,” said Vincent Georgie, the executive director and chief programmer at WIFF.  

One of the biggest features WIFF has to offer is the huge catalogue of films you will not see anywhere else. 

“By presenting so many films that are appearing well ahead of their theatrical release,” said Georgie. “Some films are from around the world, some films you aren’t going to catch elsewhere, I think it creates momentum and excitement around the event. 

He said all these aspects along with the parties and events leading up to WIFF adding to the experience are the key reasons why WIFF is so well attended. 

“On average, out of people who come to WIFF outside of the Windsor-Essex community you’re looking at about 30 per cent of our audience,” said Georgie. “Much more outside of Ontario across Canada.” 

He said even more people come from all over the United States of America even as far as the southern states.  

WIFF is an event for all people and all ages all across the world. 

“The age range is as young as seven years and I would say the oldest is 107,” said Georgie. “We’re expecting about 13,000 primary school students coming on opening week for some kid’s films.” 

The executive director said the age range of people who attend WIFF is “quite vast” with people coming to WIFF who are well into retirement age. 

“Movies are a means to communicate stories in an engaging way,” said Aidoneus Daigle, a 19-year-old local film fan. “They’re a lovely way to reflect on the world.” 

Movies are incredibly important to him and allow him to experience something he would not have otherwise. 

“It’s cool to have something film related come out of Windsor,” said Daigle. “It’s important to have outlets like WIFF, I know a lot of people who are interested in the industry and interact with the organization.” 

While he has only gone to two of WIFF’s Halloween movie viewings, Daigle said he would like to go again, specifically to see a movie in this year’s festival called The People’s Joker. 

WIFF 2023 will start on Oct. 26 and will go until Nov. 5. Go to WIFF’s website to find out more information on upcoming films and events.