The Windsor International Film Festival is a cultural, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to recognize and celebrate the art of cinema by showcasing Canadian and International films and filmmakers. Through its exhibition, education, and community development programs, WIFF builds audiences for Canadian content and talent, provides training opportunities for emerging filmmakers, and promotes the creative economy of Windsor and Southwestern Ontario. When the festival first took place, it received 1,000 people and screened 20 films over 2 days. Marking its growth, in 2009 the festival screened 25 films and sold 1500 tickets. In 2011 it was attended by 8,000 people. By the time of the 9th festival in 2013, the festival screened 65 films over a 6-day period, with an attendance by 14,000 people under the guidance of executive director Vincent Georgie, who replaced the retiring Peter Coady. In 2016, the festival sold over 20 000 tickets, and was the 2nd-largest volunteer-run film festival in Canada.
Goal
In establishing its priorities, WIFF identified a number of goals and objectives to stimulate and solidify its position as an important and recognized film festival:
To grow a successful and well-organized annual film festival and monthly screening series and to showcase local, regional and national talent including actors, writers, directors, producers and prominent industry professionals.
To build audiences for Canadian and international films and to encourage an awareness and appreciation of the diversity of talent working in the feature film and documentary sector.
To provide unique opportunities for our audience to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the art of film, both Canadian and international, through encounters with artists and professionals connected to the film industry.
To establish partnerships with local schools and organizations to foster a sense of entitlement and belonging in our community and to increase youth and student access to fine Canadian and international film.
To increase the networking and training opportunities for local, regional, Aboriginal and visible minority writers, directors and producers.
To encourage tourism and business development opportunities in the local community and to promote Windsor and Essex County as a thriving and vibrant cultural destination.
History
The Windsor International Film Festival was founded in 2005 to raise awareness and appreciation of the art of the moving image by bringing films to Windsor which otherwise would not be seen. Since that time, the festival has grown and expanded from a 3-day festival of 16 films, 21 screenings and 2,705 tickets sold in 2005 to 6 days, showing 65 films, 104 screenings, and approximately 14,000 tickets sold in 2013. WIFF programs contribute to the economic and social revitalization of Windsor by bringing audiences to see films at the Capitol Theatre and to patronize restaurants and bars in the downtown core. WIFF returned to the Palace's old address at 300 Ouellette, holding panel discussions in The Windsor Star's News Cafe. In November 2014, WIFF celebrated its 10th anniversary by adding three days and dozens more movies. It increased from six to nine days, from Saturday, Nov. 1 to Sunday, Nov. 9. Festivals and Events Ontario has consistently named WIFF one of the top 100 festivals in Ontario. In the months leading up to the Festival, a 'Maverick Filmmaker Series' has been showcasing famous directors, with two films back-to-back being screened each month at the Capitol Theater. Familiar names include Martin Scorsese, David Lean, Agnieszka Holland, Sergio Leone, and Japanese director Akira Kurosawa. On September 20, WIFF honoured Canadian film directorNorman Jewison with a Lifetime Achievement Award. WIFF had also asked for input from the public to choose their favourite 10 films from the past 9 years of the Festival. Choosing from a list of 20, those 10 chosen will be screened once again at the upcoming Festival this November. Said Vincent Georgie, "This is not just an opinion poll. The public's vote is a collective endorsement of WIFF's rich cinematic history." The titles will be announced in September.
Community involvement
WIFF programs contribute to the economic and social revitalization of Windsor by bringing audiences to see films at the Capitol Theatre and to patronize restaurants and bars in the downtown core. As a cultural, not-for-profit organization, WIFF celebrates Canadian and international films and filmmakers through its exhibition, education, and community development programs. Its unique mandate to provide training opportunities for the local film scene sets it apart from other film festivals. Programs like 48-hour FlickFest, WIFF 'Local', and the Short Film Program convey the grit, passion, and determination of making films, but they also provide invaluable experience for emerging local filmmakers. WIFF has long been strongly associated with the University of Windsor's Odette School of Business and the St. Clair College Alumni Association. Other sponsors have included The Windsor Star, Telefilm Canada, Willistead Manor, PepsiCo, The Windsor FamilyCredit Union, National Bank, Kelcom, The City Grill, South Detroit, Club Riverside, Windsor Laser Eye Institute, Windsor Symphony Orchestra, and many more.
