The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is heading into its closing weekend following nine days of big crowds, sold-out screenings and high-profile guests. WIFF executive director Vincent Georgie says this year’s festival has been a tremendous success, with audiences turning out for both major films and local productions. “It’s been phenomenal!” Georgie exclaimed. “We’re at day number nine right now. We go straight through all weekend long. A lot of really great new films. Big, big closing weekend for sure.” Among the highlights, according to Georgie, was a special tribute to Goodfellas on Monday, featuring actress Lorraine Bracco, who was in Windsor to receive an honorary award. Georgie described the event as phenomenal, noting the opportunity for audiences to spend time with Oscar-nominated performers and celebrate the iconic film. Several screenings have also sold out, including the festival’s opening film, Paper Tiger, starring Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson, as well as both screenings of I Play Rocky last weekend. Local films have also proven popular with audiences, something Georgie says reflects the strength of Windsor’s filmmaking community. “That’s the beautiful thing about Windsor is so many people in the community are involved in filmmaking in different ways, whether they’re an extra or, you know, pulling cables or whatever it is,” he said. He added that the collaborative nature of the community makes Windsor a welcoming place to make films, with WIFF playing a role in keeping local film culture alive. Beyond the theatres, Georgie says the festival has also brought visitors from outside the region into Windsor, something he hopes will benefit local businesses. He says the response has been evident in the crowds throughout the day and evening, along with significant activity on social media and school groups attending screenings. As the festival continues through the weekend, Georgie expects another busy stretch at the Capitol Theatre and other festival venues. The closing film, a comedy starring Julianne Moore making her feature directorial debut, is among the highlights Georgie is encouraging audiences to check out. Tickets remain available for several screenings throughout the weekend. Georgie notes that while the current festival is still underway, preparations for next year will begin almost immediately. Georgie says organizers will pack up and debrief on Monday before turning their attention to the next edition of the festival. He emphasized that an event of WIFF’s scale requires year-round work, with planning and even grant applications for next year already underway. “It truly is 12 months work,” Georgie said.
