Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival has decided to go with a “hybrid” festival this year, with a mix of in-person and virtual screenings.
Throughout the spring, in order to ensure the safety and comfort of festival patrons, Cinéfest Sudbury has closely monitored developments relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and available options for holding a 2020 edition of the festival.
Based on feedback from Cinéfest patrons and guests gained from its COVID-19 Event Intentions Survey, and following the guidance of health professionals, government and industry partners, the 2020 edition of Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival will consist of a selection of in-theatre screenings, combined with virtual online festival programming, said a press release.
These plans are contingent on federal, provincial and municipal public health mandates, and based on continued success of our region and provinces mitigation of COVID-19 outbreaks. Cinéfest Sudbury will run Sept. 19-27.
Cinéfest will present about 30 films in-theatre over the nine-day festival, along with a series of virtual screenings, using an online viewing platform.
The in-person and post-screening introductions and Q&A’s will involve local film guests and will be conducted in accordance with physical distancing guidelines.
The festival will also incorporate "In Conversation" as pre-recorded interviews with filmmakers and actors and host live online Q&A sessions and special events.
To ensure audiences are familiar with the new online system being introduced, trial events will be scheduled prior to the main September festival.
Cinéfest Sudbury said it also looks forward to inviting the public to attend its inaugural online Festival Programming Media Conference in mid-August.
Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on in-person events, Cinéfest Sudbury is excited about the opportunity to invite audiences to escape and explore the stories, experiences, places and emotions that cinema brings to life—even in a virtual setting, the press release said.
Leading up to the festival, guests will be welcome to visit the Cinéfest offices at 40 Larch St., Unit 103 to purchase tickets and Cinéfest Sudbury will provide frequent updates, over the coming months on how to purchase tickets online and in-person.
PPE and physical distancing guidelines will be implemented when necessary to ensure the safety of all guests and staff.
Audiences should also stay tuned as Cinéfest Sudbury begins to announce its 2020 film lineup in July and August.
