Windsor International Film Festival
PROJECT MANAGEMENT | PAID MEDIA MANAGEMENT | DIGITAL MARKETING | PUBLIC RELATIONS | EVENT MANAGEMENT
WIFF is a cultural, charitable organization that celebrates the art of cinema by showcasing Canadian and international film and filmmakers. Delivering exceptional experiences through film, WIFF strengthens and enriches the community while promoting the creative economy. Based in Windsor, Ontario, this non-profit, volunteer-run organization has become one of the region’s biggest events. Click the buttons below to jump down to read about some of our projects in detail.
WIFF ALLEY
To mark the festival’s 15th anniversary, a project was conceived to leave a permanent mark on the City of Windsor. During the festival, the shortcut alleyway between the Capitol and Chrysler Theatres would adopt the moniker WIFF Alley and be quietly referred to by patrons as they walked to their next film.
WIFF Alley is the transformation project featured in the urban area between University Ave. W. and Chatham St. W. directly in front of the Capitol Theatre in Downtown Windsor. Featuring artworks and a year-round lighting installation, WIFF Alley takes its visitors through cinema history while paying homage to the City of Windsor.
My responsibility on this project was to manage the project in its entirety from ideation to reality. From working with building owners and neighbours to commissioning artists and fundraising. What started as a small festival nickname has transformed into an everlasting imprint on the city and I’m very proud to have been involved.
WIFF Alley media coverage:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/wiff-windsor-film-festival-1.5344412
https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/wiff-takes-to-the-streets-with-outdoor-village-and-graffiti-alley/
https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/wiff-alley-sports-new-lighting-and-colourful-murals-1.4666709
WIFF 2019
The Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is Canada’s #1 Volunteer-Run Film Festival, as reviewed by the TIFF Film Circuit in 2019. Selling nearly 30,000 tickets in 2018, WIFF was poised for growth and success in 2019, it’s 15th Anniversary. Additional resources were brought in to support all areas of the festival, I am thrilled to have managed 3 major portfolios of the festival: Volunteers, Marketing and Signature Events. WIFF 2019 surpassed all goals and expectations, selling over 42,000 tickets!
2019 Festival Highlights:
- Exclusive WIFF event above the TIFF Bell Lightbox in Downtown Toronto during the Toronto International Film Festival
- Launching the inaugural year of WIFF Village (3 days of events in a heated tent outside of the Capitol Theatre)
- Opening a permanent art installation and community beautification project across from the Capitol Theatre, WIFF Alley
My responsibilities ranged from the festival preparations, where on-the-ground tasks like social media management, PPC and out-of-home advertising planning were necessary. Up to and during the festival, leadership and execution were my main focuses as we welcomed thousands of patrons to the festival.
WIFF 2019 media coverage:
https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/record-setting-ticket-sales-confirmed-for-wiff-2019
https://blackburnnews.com/windsor/windsor-news/2019/12/19/another-banner-year-wiff/
https://blackburnnews.com/windsor/windsor-news/2019/10/06/wiff-invites-special-guests-annual-festival/
https://windsor.ctvnews.ca/wiff-showcases-local-talent-on-screen-and-behind-the-scenes-1.4665939
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/2019-flick-fest-1.5311022
https://www.iheartradio.ca/am800/news/uwindsor-teams-up-with-wiff-for-environment-talk-1.10199828
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/feather-hat-guy-windsor-film-1.5335559
WIFF PROGRAM BOOK
150 Pages of Gold. It took a number of moving parts, graphics, facts and passion to create the spectacular 150-page program book for the 15th Anniversary of the Windsor International Film Festival. The program book is divided into 4 major sections:
- Festival Important Information & Facts
- Sponsor inclusion & exposure
- Events within the Festival
- Film Synopses & Schedule
Embodiment of a brand. It took a team of dedicated and passionate individuals to generate the content needed for this enormous asset. Layout, design, photography and graphic work were the crucial foundation to layering together all 150 pages in the book. Ensuring that all parts of this book were consistent with the festival’s brand and external communications was a major endeavour.
My role in the creation of this asset was a constant review of content for accuracy and brand consistency. Each page had multiple layers of content to collect and required equal parts approval, keeping the task on schedule and moving was also a key responsibility on my part.
