Festival Report

This industry report was presented at the Thessaloniki International Film Festival (November, 2021). The study is based on 12 interviews with Directors and Programmers of some of the largest festivals in Europe. It provides insight in the direction that European film festivals have taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

• How have European film festivals responded to challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic?

• How have lockdowns and other policy restrictions reduced the capacity of film festivals to work together with physical cinemas in order to offer a collective viewing experience for audiences?

• How do film festivals engage with hybrid and online formats?

 

There are mixed responses towards hybrid and online festivals formats. Some festivals see online screenings as an expansion or alternative of their physical programming, while other festivals see online screenings through a perspective of disruption and change.