What is the Windsor-Essex Showcase?


The Windsor-Essex showcase is the television series on Community Focused Television (CFTV)’s Arts & Culture Channel. The goal of the Windsor-Essex showcase is to showcase local filmmakers based in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, and Sarnia-Lambton by presenting their short films. Currently the Windsor-Essex showcase has one full season complete and is working on season two that is set to premiere in September. Episodes range from 25-35 minutes in length and premiere on UHF Channel 30.2, Cogeco channel 100, and Bell Channel 586 on Wednesdays at 8PM and Fridays at 11:30PM.

Season 1

Season 1 of the Windsor-Essex Showcase included 10 episodes ranging form 25-35 minutes. On season one audiences watched 37 short films that were 55 seconds to 27 minutes in length. The series featured 17 local filmmakers. Certified 100% Canadian by CRTC, Season 1 was produced by local filmmaker Mike Staskoand editing by fellow local filmmaker Ted Bezaire. Executive Producers also included Amanda Gellman, Ian McGregor Smith, and Lois Rindlisbacher. Season one also includes original music composed by Ian McGregor Smith.

Season 2

Season 2 of the Windsor-Essex Showcase is also slated to include 10 episodes ranging from 25-35 minutes in length. Season 2 will also introduce a new editor and producer, Mya Bezaire, an undergraduate student at the University of Windsor in Communication, Media & Film. Executive Producers will include Ted Bezaire, Amanda Gellman, and Mike Stasko, and new music for season 2 will be composed by Ian McGregor Smith. Currently, we are still in search of content for season 2 of the Windsor Essex Showcase (please see application process below).

Season 2 of the Windsor-Essex Showcase is set to premiere in mid-September of 2021.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a feature in the Windsor-Essex Showcase, at least ONE key crew member of a short film must be based in Windsor-Essex, Chatham-Kent, or Sarnia-Lambton. Key crew members include producer, writer, director, editor, and/or cinematographer. Short films should ideally range from 5-10 minutes but can be anywhere from 1 minute to 25 minutes in length. Short films submitted must also fall under a PG-13 rating.

All types of content can be submitted including:

  • Short Film
  • Experimental Short Film
  • Local Music Video
  • Documentary
  • Recorded Performance
  • YouTube Video
  • Local Spotlight
  • And more!

NOTE: You must own and/or have rights to the content you are submitting (including music, art, featured cast/crew/performers). This is a not-for-profit station and show.

There is no renumeration involved; however, exposure is priceless. Any form of business advertising will not be considered.

Application Process

To submit your film to the Windsor-Essex showcase, email a link to your short film(s) to CFTVfilm@gmail.com. 

Once approved by our team, you will be requested to send us a downloadable copy of your short film(s) (720p-1080p preferred) as well as a 30-second talking head. You must also sign a release form for your film to premiere. You will be emailed by our team when the film your episode is included in has a confirmed premiere date.

The Windsor-Essex showcase takes films year-round. If you have a film, you are looking to have premiere on TV you can email it to CFTVfilm@gmail.com.