WIFF to screen films in Detroit in new partnership
What's being billed as a crossborder cultural collaboration will see Campus Martius Park serve as a satellite viewing venue during the first two days of WIFF this October.
This will mark the first time a WIFF venue and film screenings will take place in the U.S.
WIFF has partnered with the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) on the initiative.
WIFF and DDP are also teaming to show two Canadian films at Campus Martius Park on July 17.
Speaking on AM800's The Dan MacDonald Show, Vincent Georgie, executive director & chief programmer at WIFF, said Windsor and Detroit are siblings.
'So to be able to bring WIFF into Detroit, and specifically programming Canadian films, both this summer, on July 17, with a special night Campus Martius, and then also to actually include Campus Martius and Detroit in the main festival, and what that means is, when we're bringing in Canadian filmmakers to WIFF in the fall, some of them, we're going to program in both countries, and that's an extraordinary opportunity for our Canadian filmmakers, and we're doubling down on Canada,' Georgie said.
Eric B. Larson, CEO of the DDP, said borders may define geography, but they are a shared humanity.
'We are trying to foster better understanding, especially in this time, but always, we're trying to make sure that we're breaking down sort of those stereotypes and building better and longer lasting relationships,' Larson said.
'The relationship that we've had, not only with Windsor-Essex, but Canada as a country, are critical to Detroit's and of the U.S. success.'
Larson said he's looking forward to the conversations that these events with WIFF will lead to.
'There is tremendous opportunity that's been untapped, and I think whenever there is a bit of a challenge, or in this case a bit of a crisis, some of us will retreat, others of us will charge forward, and this is a group that has charged forward to not only strengthen the relationship, but find unique ways to demonstrate the relationship,' he said.
The free double-feature on July 17 at Campus Martius will present the following films:
Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story - A Peabody Award Winner and WIFF Prize in Canadian Film nominee, this stirring documentary is a tribute to the life and legacy of trailblazing soul singer Jackie Shane, whose story of identity and resilience continues to inspire.
Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person - A WIFF Prize in Canadian Film winner, this genre-defying, darkly comedic French-language film (with English subtitles) explores unlikely connection through a surreal, emotionally rich lens.
Films begin at 7 p.m., and guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy this cinematic evening under the stars right in the heart of Detroit.
- Written by Dustin Coffman/AM800 News.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CTV News
7 minutes ago
- CTV News
Cote First Nation celebrates grand opening of new splash park
Cote First Nation celebrated the grand opening of a new splash park on Tuesday. (Fruzsina De Cloedt / CTV News) Cote First Nation celebrated the grand opening of a new splash park on Tuesday. 'You know I'm not going to be running through it,' Chief George Cote said during his speech at the event. While in fact Chief Cote did not run, he was drenched from head to toe when he stood under a giant bucket filled with water. As gallons of cold water poured on the crowd of screaming children, Chief Cote held his head high. After the initial shock, he did allow himself a smile. 'We never had this growing up, as young children and we want to give something to the youth that can fulfill their dreams in their life,' he said. 'Just to show them that we care for them.' Cote First Nation spray park Cote First Nation Chief George Cote is awaiting being drenched at the grand opening of the community's splash park on Tuesday. (Fruzsina De Cloedt / CTV News) The idea of having a splash park on Cote First Nation had been brewing for five years. 'The concept of the splash pad, the spray park, and this recreation site in general came from our comprehensive community plan,' Arlene Pinay, Cote First Nation's community development planner told CTV News. She said it was developed through surveys, interviews, one-on-one sessions and focus groups. The splash park is now busy with kids enjoying some refreshments under the August sun, but there's still work to do. 'Some of the things that are missing is actually some more stonework,' she said. 'We're actually hopefully going to be doing some landscaping here as well.' Cote First Nation built this new attraction partly from the federal government's Community Development Wrap-Around Initiative (CDWAI). 'There was only 22 nations from all of Canada that were selected to be part of this initiative, and Cote was one of them,' Pinay said in her speech during the grand opening ceremony. She added that they also used some of the other fundings related to family, wellness, and prevention. However, for the finishing yard work, they are still looking to secure some funding. 'It's been a lot of moving parts to get to where we are today,' she said. Cote First Nation has been busy with a variety of community-driven developments. 'Building a new rink, the new arbor, and fixing up the sports grounds, and the playground that's here, the grand opening of the spray park, and the walking pad we have,' Chief Cote listed the community's most recent achievements. 'It's all part of being... good health and prosperity for our community.' This week, the park will be open in the afternoon, but from next week, it should be making a splash all day long.
CBC
38 minutes ago
- CBC
Justin Bieber look-alike crashes Vegas nightclub, racks up $10K bill
Justin Bieber look-alike Dylan Desclos was banned from a Las Vegas nightclub after performing multiple songs onstage and ordering around $10,000 worth of bottle service.
CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Vibrancy Festival lights up Citadel Hill in Halifax this weekend
The Vibrancy Fest is set to light up Halifax's Citadel Hill this weekend. The Vibrancy Fest is set to light up Halifax's Citadel Hill this weekend. A major electronic festival will take over Citadel Hill in Halifax once again this weekend. The Vibrancy Festival, which showcases underground electronic music, is back for the fourth year on Friday and Saturday. It will feature several performers, including DJ Cloverdale. 'What an iconic venue right in the middle of the city,' Cloverdale said. 'We're so lucky and so fortunate to be able to it here, and there's so much space and it sounds great.' Cloverdale, who will perform on Friday, has built his show – which features synthesizers, drum machines and a video – around his latest record. 'It listens, like, as one continuous 45-minute piece of music,' he said. 'It's called 'Channel 303,' which is sort of a mythical, make-believe TV station that I've sort of created in my mind a little bit. 'There's lots of little, like, jingles and TV commercials and little bits and bobs in there. It all is able to perform live and so it's kind of been a cool way to do a whole show and album all kind of mixed into one.' Other big names at the weekend event include Avalon Emerson, HNTR, Todd Edwards, Omnom, Juan Atkins, Hiroko Yamamura and Coffintexts. 'It's going to be a really, really jam-packed, diverse night of house and techno,' Cloverdale said. 'Everyone there is supporting each other and encouraging everyone to be themselves and to let loose and dance. 'It really is just a space of positive energy and love and it's so much fun.' The Vibrancy Festival will run from 7 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
