The 22nd edition of the Windsor International Film Festival opened Oct. 29 and runs through Nov. 8, drawing strong ticket sales and sold-out screenings, according to CTV News. This year's lineup leans heavily on Windsor-Essex stories, from a documentary on a Black police pioneer to a comedy series that tweaks Canadian history.

Why are local stories drawing crowds?

Windsor-born filmmaker Preston Chase returns home with Police Detective Parker, a documentary about Alton C. Parker, described by Chase as Canada's first Black police detective. Chase, who now lives in Ottawa, grew up knowing Parker as a neighbourhood figure and filmed interviews in Windsor, including at First Baptist Church and the park named for Parker.

"He was a pioneer, just, like, his story needed to be remembered," Chase told CBC Windsor. Two screenings of the film have already sold out. The premiere also carries sadness: Florence Logan, a Windsor resident interviewed for the documentary, died this week at 103, Chase said.

How does comedy fit in?

Essex-born filmmaker Jakob Skrzypa takes a different approach. His comedy series, The Historical History of Canada, gives real Canadian events absurd fictional twists, including a segment questioning whether the Toronto Maple Leafs truly won the Stanley Cup in 1967.

What else is on the schedule?

International filmmakers are also bringing passion projects to Windsor. Australian director Lisa Downs and British filmmaker Ashley Pugh, partners in work and life, will present their documentary about the making of Martin Scorsese's 1990 crime epic at its Canadian premiere on Nov. 2.

The pair spent years researching the film, tracking down previously unreleased footage shot by a local film student, including informal interviews with cast members on set. Their earlier documentaries covered Flight of the Navigator, The NeverEnding Story and Flash Gordon.

FAQ

When does WIFF end?

The festival runs through Nov. 8.

Who is Alton C. Parker?

Parker was a Windsor police officer whom filmmaker Preston Chase describes as Canada's first Black police detective.