48 (+1) Hour Flick Fest

The basis behind the local component at the Windsor International Film Festival is that we wanted to maintain our mandate of showing critically acclaimed films from Canada and the world to Windsor.

As a group that included local film makers, we felt that it would not further the goals of local film makers to show their films to an audience that didn't necessarily want to see them. Our idea of assisting local film makers is to get them the resources they need to be able to make world class films that will be shown outside of Windsor.

First we want to showcase their talents in a way that is fun and receptive to our audience. The 48 Hour Flickfest accomplishes that http://www.48hourflickfest.com/. This idea, which was brought to me by Dylan Pearce is something that I am confident will grow to a bi-national favorite. Already, there are people in Detroit who have asked how they can become a part of this particular event next year. First Prize is a local film makers package made up of $1000 of gifts from House of Toast, Mediacity, Edcom, Local restaurants, Unique Video, Windsor Municipal Shadow. Thanks to all these sponsors that came forward. Also we will be showing these contestants films on Cogeco, with the winner appearing on Plugged In.

Just in case you don't know a 48 hour film is a contest where film makers are given a subject, prop and line of dialogue Friday night at 7 pm with only 48 hours to turn in a completed 2-4 minute film. It is an amazing testimony to the talent of these local teams to be able to complete the project.

WIFF is also bringing down officials from the Ontario Media Development Corporation. So that we can have them inform our local filmmaking community about industry standards that have to be adhered to for obtaining funding.

Of course we want to include the showing of local films in our festival, however we want to show films that have received accolades such as Mike McNamarra's 100 films and a funeral and Matt Gallagher's Hi Ho: The Rise and Fall of Grumpy Burger.

Most of all we need everyone's support, this non profit festival (currently seeking charitable tax status) needs the support of sponsors and the public. That support will only be forthcoming if we show that our community demands this type of cultural entertainment. Take a look at the website for a selection of films we have lined up and are extremely proud of . These are movies that people in Toronto and New York talk about in the coffee shops each night that never make it into local theaters. http://www.windsorfilmfestival.com/. I am certain that you will easily find films that appeal to your particular tastes. We have films that discuss different cultures, Eco-terrorism, Marijuana, relationships etcetera etcetera. This is a perfect festival for a community that boasts that it is one of Canada's most multicultural cities.