Leave your worries behind and escape to the drive-in

Whether you’re into Aladdin or Spaceballs, John Wick or Pulp Fiction, there’s something for you to enjoy in the Windsor International Film Festival’s upcoming drive-in movie program on the downtown riverfront.

“We’re going to escape. We’re going to laugh. We’re going to have romance. There’s going to be action. There’s going to be a little bit of everything,” said Vincent Georgie, executive director of the Windsor International Film Festival, at the announcement of the event on Wednesday.

From Aug. 28 to Sept. 12, the Riverfront Festival Plaza will be the site of WIFF Under the Stars: daily movie showings, drive-in style.

The lineup of 36 films over 16 days will run the gamut of genres — But all the titles are widely known movies, from timeless family fare to comedy favourites to popular action and thriller flicks.

Director Quentin Tarantino is particularly well-represented, with five of the scheduled movies being from his filmography.

All evening showings will be double features. There will also be morning matinees with child-friendly animated films.

“We’ve all been through a very difficult summer, with lots of cancellations and lots of things not happening in our community,” Georgie said.

“We’re giving people a chance to escape.”

LIUNA 625 is the presenting sponsor, and the event is also being made possible by the support of St. Clair College, the University of Windsor, Hotel-dieu Grace Healthcare, Lisa and Brian Schwab, and the Toldo Foundation.

The City of Windsor has waived all fees associated with renting the plaza.

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens said council even considered purchasing a permanent movie screen for the plaza stage, but WIFF made their own arrangements.

Dilkens noted that the plaza is usually booked every weekend during summer months with festivals and special events. “This was the summer where all of that went away. None of the normal events we have here were allowed to happen.”

“We know there’s a pent-up energy, a demand from people in the community who want to get out and enjoy the summertime, and do it in a safe way.”

The plaza has room for 88 vehicles with appropriate distancing. Parking will be assigned upon entry.

Audio for the movies will be broadcast on a car radio frequency, and portable audio devices will also be provided.

There will be concession sales of popcorn and beverages.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.windsorfilmfestival.com/underthestars.

Tickets for morning matinees are $20 per vehicle. Evening double features are $40 per vehicle. Tickets are online purchase only — no ticket sales at the entrance. First come, first served.

We know there’s a pentup energy, a demand from people in the community who want to get out and enjoy the summertime, and do it in a safe way.