Free outdoor event to highlight cross-border cultural collaboration, to feature two film showings

Metro Detroiters and Windsor-area residents are invited to experience an unforgettable evening of storytelling, culture and cross-border camaraderie as Canadian Film Night at Campus Martius Park brings two acclaimed films to the heart of downtown Detroit.

The free double feature, set for Thursday, July 17, is presented through a dynamic partnership between the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) and the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP).

This unique cinematic event is part of a broader Windsor–Detroit binational collaboration initiative, an effort focused on deepening cultural exchange, increasing regional connectivity and fostering shared economic opportunity between two globally minded border cities.

From art to industry, this cross-border movement is fueled by an alliance of public, private and nonprofit partners, including the Downtown Detroit Partnership, Consulate General of Canada, the City of Detroit, the City of Windsor, Visit Detroit, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, Invest WindsorEssex, Rocket Companies and Windsor Tunnel.

This initiative builds on decades of cooperation and intentional commitment between the two cities to advance a globally creative, competitive and inclusive binational region to thrive on the world stage.

“Canadian Film Night at Campus Martius Park is an artful example of the power of cross-border collaboration,” said Eric B. Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Through our partnership with the Windsor International Film Festival and other regional leaders, we’re celebrating our shared culture, strengthening community ties and demonstrating how Detroit and Windsor together are a global ecomony and culturally vibrant region.”

Campus Martius Park will also serve as a satellite viewing venue during the first two days of the annual Windsor Film Festival, Oct. 23 and 24, bringing a piece of WIFF to the heart of downtown Detroit.

This exciting addition marks the first time a WIFF venue and film screenings will take place in the United States, further highlighting the ongoing partnership and shared commitment to promoting arts and culture between the two cities.

“The World needs more Canada,” stated Vincent Georgie, executive director & chief programmer at Windsor International Film Festival. “WIFF is very proud of the authentic relationship we have with the Downtown Detroit Partnership and all of our Detroit-based partners as WIFF expands into the US and will bring the very best Canadian films and filmmakers to our sister city, Detroit, both this summer and at WIFF 2025 in the fall. We have a major long-term vision for WIFF and Detroit, together and closer than ever before.”

The double feature Canadian Film Night lineup will present the following:

• Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story – A Peabody Award Winner and WIFF Prize in Canadian Film nominee, this stirring documentary is a tribute to the life and legacy of trailblazing soul singer Jackie Shane, whose story of identity and resilience continues to inspire.
• Humanist Vampire Seeking Consenting Suicidal Person – A WIFF Prize in Canadian Film winner, this genre-defying, darkly comedic French-language film (with English subtitles) explores unlikely connection through a surreal, emotionally rich lens.

Films begin at 7 p.m. at Campus Martius Park, ranked the No. 1 public square in the country for three consecutive years. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy this cinematic evening under the stars right in the heart of Detroit.

Events like the Canadian Film Night continue to affirm the park’s national reputation as a premier destination for arts, culture and community engagement. Learn more and save the date here: Canadian Film Night at Campus Martius Park – Downtown Detroit Partnership.