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The night sky and big screen dazzled with stars during a weekend of outdoor film screenings presented by the Windsor International Film Festival.
And there were also daytime offerings under blue skies.
Under the Stars returned with three days of free movies for people to enjoy while relaxing on the grass in front of downtown’s Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre.
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Vincent Georgie, WIFF’s executive director and chief programming officer, estimates that around 1,500 people came to enjoy the unique cinematic event.
“It’s so immersive and it’s an actual true experience,” said Georgie.
“I really think that’s the reason it makes it so special.”
Georgie said that the event’s new location in front of the downtown aquatic centre along Riverside Drive was well-received by attendees who enjoyed the view of the riverfront and Detroit skyline.
“People have loved it,” he said.
“For us, there’s no question that this event will now go on in this space going forward.”
WIFF started the series of outdoor screenings with a riverfront drive-in at Festival Plaza during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The weekend featured 21 films, including Disney classics such as 101 Dalmations and Little Mermaid, as well as Barbie, Oppenheimer, and a double feature of the last two Harry Potter movies.
Georgie said a group of about 15 enthusiasts even braved the rain Saturday night to watch a screening of The Blair Witch Project.
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He said Disney and Pixar’s 2023 film Elemental was a huge draw for families of all ages.
“What we noticed is that when people come in families, it’s multi-generational,” said Georgie.
“You’ve got a grandparent, a parent, an aunt, you got two kids — and a dog.
“We were also seeing some date nights and gangs of friends hanging out, too.”
Under the Stars is one of numerous events planned to commemorate WIFF’S 20th anniversary. Later this month, a retrospective highlighting the best local films of the last 20 years will be shown at the Capitol Theatre in downtown Windsor.
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