On October 23, the 2025 Windsor International Film Festival will open with the latest film from Chandler Levac (and early exclamation point! Darling), Mile End Beats. The City of Roses once again welcomes the world's most distinguished filmmakers for the 21st edition of the festival.
In addition to holding a special presentation Come from far awaythis year WIFF will see a number of fantastic musical films in its lineup, including Play loud: how soul came to Toronto, It Never Ends, Jeff Buckley And Midas Man. As in previous years, WIFF will also present its annual $25,000 Canadian Film Awards from a list of impressive and unique nominees.
Before we head off to another festival filled with Windsor style pizza and What's Popcorn are five must-see films at this year's festival, which runs from October 23 to November 2.
For more information about the program and tickets, visit the WIFF website. Here.
Fear of dancing
Director Michael Alcock
Michael Alcock's documentary about chorophobia, a major fear of dancing, has taken a University of Windsor graduate on a unique journey to the screen. Alcock's first attempt at releasing the film, filmed in 2020, faced enormous challenges due to pandemic restrictions. Five years later, WIFF gives Fear of dancing theatrical attention he never saw – a rather poetic path, given the film's plot and subsequent inability to dance in public.
In the cold light
Director Maxim Giroux
Photo courtesy of Elevation Pictures
Starring Maika Monroe, Allan Hawco and Academy Award winners Troy Kotsur and Helen Hunt. In the cold light follows Ava (Monroe) as she tries to put her life back together after serving time in prison, but she witnesses the murder of her brother, forcing her to run for her life. Another WIFF Canadian Film Award nominee, Maxime Giroux's latest features a talented cast that looks to deliver on a compelling concept.
Montreal, my beauty
Director Xiaodan He
Nominated for a WIFF Canadian Film Award. Montreal, my beauty Joan Chen plays a Chinese-Canadian immigrant who falls in love with Camille (Charlotte Aubin), a young woman with a unique interest and approach to life. Veteran Chen is currently experiencing a career resurgence. Montreal, my beauty serves as a wonderful addition to an already diverse and rich filmography.
Racers
Director Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz
A touching sports film starring Kevin Claydon and Phil Moniz. Racers sees Will Monizia, a track coach struggling to gain respect due to his dwarfism, meet Matt Claydon, a washed-up baseball player looking for new purpose and motivation. During a kismet meeting, Will begins teaching Matt how to race walk as they form a surprisingly natural team. WIFF Executive Director Vincent Giorgi identified Racers like a hidden gem worth visiting during the festivaland who are we to deny Georgie a movie?
No Words
Director Min Suk Lee
Min Sook Lee's deeply personal documentary won an honorable mention for best Canadian feature at this year's Toronto International Film Festival. No Words tries to find answers and memories about his mother Song Ji Lee, who committed suicide. Lee turns to her father, now 90 years old, who proves to be an unreliable narrator, while trying to cope with his abuse and her trauma. It's difficult research, but it's essential for Lee and others interested in her story.
