#FIRSTLOOK: WINDSOR INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL “AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER… THE STORY OF GOODFELLAS” PREMIERE

Thirty-six years after Goodfellas changed cinema forever, Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) is thrilled to bring the Canadian Premiere of AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER … THE STORY OF GOODFELLAS, the first feature documentary dedicated to Martin Scorsese’s landmark masterpiece, to this year’s festival. This special screening event will take place Monday, November 2, 2026.

Directed and produced by Lisa Downs and Ashley Pugh, the documentary takes audiences behind the scenes of one of the most influential films ever made, exploring the extraordinary true story that inspired it and the people who brought it to life, including never before seen behind-the-scenes video and photo archive featuring Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci.

WIFF is also honoured to welcome acclaimed actor Lorraine Bracco, whose unforgettable portrayal as Karen in Goodfellas remains one of the most iconic performances on screen. Bracco will join Downs and Pugh at the festival and be celebrated with a Spotlight Award, in recognition of her remarkable career and enduring contributions to cinema. As part of their festival appearance, Bracco, Downs and Pugh will also take part in a special Q&A following the screening.

“Goodfellas didn’t just become a classic, it changed the way so many of us see character and storytelling. Its impact continues to resonate with audiences across generations, who return to the film again and again and discover something new each time,” said Vincent Georgie, Executive Director and Chief Programmer, WIFF. “Having this documentary at our festival is a dream come true for me as a lifelong lover of cinema. And to have the incomparable Lorraine Bracco with us makes it even more special.”

“Our six year journey on this film has been a complete labour of love. Really getting to know the people behind Goodfellas and hearing their – often untold – stories has been such an incredible privilege. We cannot wait to bring our film to Windsor International Film Festival for our Canadian Premiere, and having Lorraine there with us as we celebrate her remarkable body of work, is such an honour. We look forward to a truly special evening,” said Lisa Downs and Ashley Pugh, co-directors of AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER … THE STORY OF GOODFELLAS.

Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes material, new interviews with the people who made the film, lived its story and continue to carry its legacy, AS FAR BACK AS I CAN REMEMBER … THE STORY OF GOODFELLAS offers an unprecedented look at the making and enduring legacy of Goodfellas. The documentary reveals how Henry Hill’s extraordinary true story became the foundation for one of the greatest films ever made and why its influence continues to resonate, inspire and shape popular culture.

Going beyond nostalgia, the documentary celebrates the craft, characters and culture behind one of the most influential films in cinema history and explores the real world that shaped the classic, offering an authoritative portrait of a film that continues to captivate audiences and influence filmmakers around the world.

Interviewees that appear in the documentary (in alphabetical order):

Lorraine Bracco: “Karen Hill”, Goodfellas

Lisa Caserta: Friend of Henry Hill

Kevin Corrigan: “Michael Hill”, Goodfellas

Dan Conte III: Owner, Goodfellas Restaurant

Tony Darrow: “Sonny Bunz”, Goodfellas

Barbara De Fina: Executive Producer, Goodfellas

Bo Dietl: “Arresting Narc”, Goodfellas

Joseph D’Onofrio: “Young Tommy”, Goodfellas

Illeana Douglas: “Rosie”, Goodfellas

Julie Garfield: “Mickey Conway”, Goodfellas

Robert Griffon Jr: Property Master, Goodfellas

Joe Hill: Brother of Henry Hill

Samuel L. Jackson: “Stacks Edwards”, Goodfellas

Glenn Kenny: Author: “Made Men: The Story of Goodfellas”

Ellen Lewis: Casting Director, Goodfellas

Debi Mazar: “Sandy”, Goodfellas

Larry McConkey: Steadicam Operator, Goodfellas

Edward McDonald: “Himself”, & Former FBI Prosecutor

Dennis O’Leary: Former NYPD Officer & NYC Tour Guide

Mathew Perrone: TV & Movie Props Collector

Nicky Petito: Founder, Paisan Con

Nicholas Pileggi: Screenwriter & Author: Goodfellas & “Wiseguy”

Melissa Prophet: “Angie”, Goodfellas

Joseph Reidy: First Assistant Director, Goodfellas

Christopher Serrone: “Young Henry”, Goodfellas

George Sikat III: Queens Location Owner

Mike Starr: “Frenchy”, Goodfellas

Nicholas M. Todaro: Mobin Times & Movie Prop Collector

Elizabeth Weitzman: Author & Film Critic

Barry Wetcher: Still Photographer, Goodfellas

Welker White: “Lois Byrd”, Goodfellas

Johnny “Roastbeef” Williams: ”Johnny Roastbeef”, Goodfellas

Irwin Winkler: Producer, Goodfellas

Kristi Zea: Production Designer, Goodfellas

WIFF is a cultural, charitable organization that celebrates the art of cinema by showcasing Canadian and international film and filmmakers. Delivering exceptional experiences through film, WIFF strengthens and enriches the community while promoting the creative economy. WIFF2026.com.

The 2026 festival is proudly presented by the Toldo Foundation.

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