Boscariol and Perlin quickly assembled a team to help put it in motion, one that consisted of marketing expert Debi Croucher as executive director (a role that now belongs to Vincent Georgie); Kim Spirou for publicity; Lou Tortola of eLiquid Communications; Gordon Orr, CEO of Tourism Windsor Essex Peele Island, and filmmakers Otto Buj and Nick Shields as programmers.
[15] WIFF is a not-for-profit organization with the intent to celebrate the art of cinema by showcasing Canadian and international film and filmmakers through unique programming, education, and exhibition.
[27] Martha Rehoe and Joan Tosoni, directors of the documentary Gordon Lightfoot: If You Could Read My Mind, 2019.
Film screenings took place once a month at the Capitol Theatre; the first two shown was "Loving Vincent" and "Breathe."
The event became so popular that it expanded to a weekly summer series in partnership with Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.
[29]" WIFF Alley, supported by two major sponsors – CUPE 82K and Ward 3 Councillor Rino Bortolin – occupied a space between the Capitol and Chrysler Theatres (combining Chatham and University Avenue) consisting of murals created by commissioned artists and strung-up lights, where film lovers could connect and socialize.
WIFF Village, sponsored by the Tourism Essex Pelee Island, occurred during the second weekend of the festival, closing University Avenue between Pelisster and Victoria to erect a tent as another space for socializing.
[30] WIFF's first major prize, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to filmmaker Norm Jewison in 2014.
625 People's Choice Award went to the movie Trumbo, starring Bryan Cranston, in 2015, its inaugural year; Maudie, starring Ethan Hawke, in 2016, Loving Vincent, an animated film about the life of Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, in 2017; The Russian Five, based on the true story about the Detroit Red Wings, in 2018,[32] and Prey in 2019.
[37] Every year since its partnership with Hot Docs, WIFF has selected a slate of documentaries to add to their annual lineup.
Midnight Madness is an interactive experience that encourages the audience to respond to films by yelling and throwing things at the screen.
[38]” Spotlight on Architecture began in 2013, with the Windsor Region Society of Architects (WRSA) joining forces with WIFF to promote four films that bring attention to issues surrounding communities and public spaces, the built environment, the creative process, and the role of architecture and design in the modern world.
[42] Women of WIFF a festival component supported by the Windsor Office of the President, showcases a film from their Official Selection every year.
It was created to ensure that women's voices are heard, experiences shared, and viewpoints discussed through film.