I’ve attended my hometown film festival for the last 4 years. This year it’s being held in a large auditorium compared to more intimate venues in the past. All normal COVID protocols are being followed but I have no desire to attend. Now this a pretty small Non prestigious festival , but one I’ve always enjoyed and looked forward to. I’ve attended some of the bigger fests over the years. It just doesn’t seem worth my time or risk. Maybe that will change in the future but for now it seems painful and a chore. I don’t want cinema to be painful. I want it to be a place of discovery. I love the films but part of the experience is meeting new people who are as passionate about film as me. It seems like joy has left Mudville and Casey has struck out. I want to escape not be constantly reminded of what we used to have. I would see a film in a theatre if something looks interesting . At least for me, at this moment it’s to soon for festivals.
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Film festival this weekend, no interest
- Thread starter lambert
- Start date
Yeah. I don't know how it is for other folks but anything like a movie theater, restaurant, etc. right now, even masked up etc., I'd be at least slightly uncomfortable/anxious the whole time, wondering "am I taking a stupid risk by being here?", which kind of robs the experience of any joy.
A few days ago I finished up "attending" an 11-day virtual film festival. And next week I'm going to start attending another one. During the last festival I met up a few times with three of my regular festival buddies via Zoom, and we'll be doing that again in the upcoming festival. Watching on my TV, computer, tablet or--worst of all, like I had to do with a couple films--my phone is not at all like really being there seeing the films on a big screen and sitting amongst fellow film lovers and filmmakers. But right now that seems very much preferable to the risks involved in prolonged exposure to crowds of strangers in an enclosed space.
One upside to the virtual festival was the VASTLY increased filmmaker Q&A opportunities. Out of the 39 programs, 31 of them had Q&A sessions, a few of them prerecorded but most live. And instead of being rushed (to clear the auditorium for the next screening), they were able to go on much longer. They mostly ran anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, and one of them was about 75 minutes. I'm hoping that when the festival goes back to being an onsite affair, they will still be able to keep the virtual Q&A part as an option for some of the films.
One upside to the virtual festival was the VASTLY increased filmmaker Q&A opportunities. Out of the 39 programs, 31 of them had Q&A sessions, a few of them prerecorded but most live. And instead of being rushed (to clear the auditorium for the next screening), they were able to go on much longer. They mostly ran anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes, and one of them was about 75 minutes. I'm hoping that when the festival goes back to being an onsite affair, they will still be able to keep the virtual Q&A part as an option for some of the films.
groveChuck
U-matic Member
There's nothing like being in a festival theater packed with film buffs, where people are paying close attention and enjoying every moment and nuance!is not at all like really being there seeing the films on a big screen and sitting amongst fellow film lovers and filmmakers.
And both the Q&A's, and informal mingling with fans and filmmakers afterwards are so rewarding.
I even exchanged T shirts with Herzog after one of his screenings, made the paper. A memorable moment, to say the least.
I wonder what "all's clear" moment will convince me it's safe to go back (because I do want to go back)?
I've seen some mentions of virtual fests, you've convinced me to check them out, so thanks!