The provincial government supported the 20th Windsor International Film Festival with over $375,000 in grants this year.
The grants support new equipment for the Chrysler Theatre, Francophone programming, promotions, and the industry conference.
"It's very impactful for us. Again, we are a charity, we are a not-for-profit organization, this type of support is unbelievable, it's mission critical to us in terms of planning the next 20 years and making sure that we are built sustainably," said Executive Director Vincent Georgie.
From the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming Experience Ontario fund, WIFF received $125,000 to support production crew fees, venue rentals and marketing.
From the The Ontario Cultural Attraction Fund it received $80,000 to support opening weekend events.
WIFF received a Francophone Community Grant to support the Francophone Film Program and francophone film workshop.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation supported the festival with a $93,500 capital grant to purchase new equipment for the Chrysler Theatre.
Finally, the festival received a $50,000 grant from the Ontario Arts Council to support local media artists.
The festival kicked off Thursday and runs until November 3. Georgie said ticket sales for the 327 screenings are up 20 per cent compared to last year.
"It's been really significant so far, some really big audiences and as we go into the weekend it's going to start moving that's for sure. It's only day two so we're in for a big one, that's the sense for sure," said Georgie.