What to watch for at Windsor International Film Festival

The 2016 Windsor International Film Festival opens tonight andCBC Windsor had a chance to meet with the show's executive director, Vincent Georgie to talk about the highlights to expect at the screenings this year.

WIFF's organizers are looking to follow up last year's success with live readings, a look at virtual reality and several Oscar contenders on screen.

• 2016 Windsor International Film Festival Lineup Announced

Tickets to the festival are availableIf you're stuck on what to watch, here are five films and events to see during the week-long event.

Local Films

More than 20 local films are being shown at WIFF this year. They include feature films shot in Windsor-Essex and short-films produced by local artists.

Georgie singled out Migrant Dreams as one to watch. The film follows migrant workers at Leamington greenhouses.

"This year has been quite singular," Georgie said. "There are some really challenging stories really putting Windsor up on screen."

Oscar contender?

In 2015, WIFF screened Trumbo, which won an Oscar in the best actor category from Bryan Cranston. This year, Georgie predicts Manchester by the Sea to have similar success come awardseason.

"It's going to be a big Oscar contender," he said.

The film stars Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams and Kyle Chandler. Affleck plays Lee Chandler, a Massachusetts handyman who becomes his nephew's guardian after his brother dies.

The film screens Nov. 2 at 5:30 p.m., Nov. 5 at 1:20 p.m. and Nov. 6 at 3:20 p.m.

Live reads

Two cult-classic films will be at WIFF but they won't be on screen.

Local actors will do live readings ofReservoir Dogs, about a diamond caper gone wrong, and Juno, about an unexpected teen pregnancy.

Both live readings take place Nov. 2, with Reservoir Dogs at 8:20 p.m. and Juno at 10:20 p.m.

Singing along withThe Sound of Music

WIFFhas managed to get a copy ofThe Sound of Music,which includes onscreen lyrics to its songs. There is a prop-bag included and viewers will be able to sing along with the silver screen classic.

That film will be shown Nov. 5 at 1:10 p.m.

Midnight screenings

Midnight Madness is a chance to "get a little bit odd and a little bit weird," in the film choices, Georgie said, promising to not disappoint with the selections.

Those films include:

• 31

• The Girl with all the Gifts

• Mean Girls

• Space Jam

• Room

"We'll have a lot of fun in the midnight hours, that's a fun crowd of people," Georgie said. "I encourage you to be there."