BUSINESS IS BOOMING AT WIFF
Meet some of WIFF's most enthusiastic moviegoers
The Windsor International Film Festival is packing them in as moviegoers come and go during Friday’s lineup. WIFF continues today and Sunday. For screening times and ticket information, visit windsorfilmfestival.com or call 519-567-3295 or 519-567-3245. Visit windsorstar.com for festival coverage. If movie pass sales are any indication, there are some real diehards in the audience.
Chances are you’ve heard the legendary tales about those diehard movie lovers who spend entire days at the Windsor International Film Festival, watching film after film, wearing their slippers, with snacks and blankets for sustenance.
With screenings starting at 10 a.m. and finishing well past midnight in some cases, it’s possible for a film fanatic to see as many as seven fulllength features in one day at WIFF or a record-breaking 36 over the course of the festival, if you factor in the opening night show.
If movie pass sales are any indication, there are some real diehards in the audience. As of Friday afternoon, 265 passes had been sold, meaning at least 265 people planned to watch at least eight movies over five days.
The Windsor Star caught up with some of these culture vultures who have clocked in a dozen movies already and still have a few days’ worth of screenings to go.
Margaret Armstrong
Expected film intake this WIFF: 22-23
We caught up with her at The Windsor Star News Cafe, just before the screening of Camille Claudel 1915, Friday, 10 a.m.
On her schedule: Camille Claudel 1915, Frances Ha, Sarah Prefers to Run, The Spectacular Now, Broken Circle Breakdown … and maybe Cas & Dylan if she can stay up late.
Best so far: Gabrielle, Fruitvale Station and Finding Vivian Maier. “That’s one I would go see again. … The photography is spectacular. I would like to go see an exhibition of the photographs.”
Why do this? “When do (these films) ever come to Windsor? This is the opportunity. I’ve been coming to this festival since it started.”
How do you do it? Comfy clothes, snacks, a water bottle and carefully scheduled trips to Pause Café or Shawarma Palace for lunch or dinner ... and coffee. “I drink probably more coffee than I do normally.” Plus, being retired means day times are free for movie screenings!
Kudos: To the WIFF volunteers. “They’re just so charming and helpful.”
Randy Gault
Also Known As: WIFF 2012 record-holder for most films seen
We caught up with him inside the Capitol Theatre, just before the screening of After Tiller, Thursday, 12:30 p.m.
On his schedule: After Tiller, Call Me Kuchu, Blue is the Warmest Color, Fruitvale Station, Escape from Tomorrow, A Field in England
Memorable films so far: Finding Vivian Maier “I like documentaries … It was a really interesting story, more than what you’d expect.”
How do you do it? “I’m not sure. I think it’s just enough sleep and just enjoy the food and drink (options) downtown.”
Secret weapon: Vacation time that coincides with WIFF.
Gena Hamelin
Occupation: Retiree We caught up with her on the way to the Capitol Theatre to see Empire of Dirt, Thursday, 12:40 p.m.
On her schedule: Man of Tai Chi, Devil’s Knot, Fruitvale Station, Act of Killing, Young and Beautiful, Empire of Dirt Recommends (so far): 1. Austenland: “It was really funny (and) a major production.” Just look at the costumes.
2. A Hijacking: “The cinematography was really good” and the ship’s captain was “a really believable guy.” 3. Detroit Unleaded Why do you do this? “I love movies … I want to help and support all the wonderful things (Windsor) does.”
How do you do it? Aside from making sure to have a snack in between screenings, there’s no real secret. “I just love movies.”
Applause for: WIFF volunteers. “They’re really nice.”