It may be a while before film buffs can attend an in-person festival again, but YouTube is hosting a 10-day virtual event in the interim.
Due to stay-at-home and shelter-in-place orders, it could be a while before large-scale events are able to take place. And even when cities begin reopening, health experts predict that social distancing will be necessary until the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is far more under control — or until a vaccine or treatment can be found.
With that in mind, film buffs probably won’t be able to attend an in-person film festival for some time. Thankfully, YouTube is partnering with numerous film-festival organizations in order to bring movie lovers a 10-day virtual event that will, with any luck, provide filmmakers with a platform to share their works and viewers with an event that feels somewhat similar to those they were looking forward to prior to the pandemic.
We Are One: A Global Film Festival will take place from May 29 through June 7, streaming the movies from 20 of the biggest film festivals that are partnering with YouTube for the event. While there aren’t any specifics when it comes to the lineup just yet, the festivals participating include:
- Annecy International Animation Film Festival
- Berlin International Film Festival
- BFI London Film Festival
- Cannes Film Festival
- Guadalajara International Film Festival
- International Film Festival & Awards Macao (IFFAM)
- Jerusalem Film Festival, Mumbai Film Festival (MAMI)
- Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
- Locarno Film Festival
- Marrakech International Film Festival
- New York Film Festival
- San Sebastian International Film Festival
- Sarajevo Film Festival
- Sundance Film Festival
- Sydney Film Festival
- Tokyo International Film Festival
- Toronto International Film Festival
- Tribeca Film Festival
- Venice Film Festival
According to Variety, each of the festivals involved will have their own programming tracks, the lineups for which should become available over the next few weeks.
The virtual event will be free to viewers — an added bonus for those who normally wouldn’t attend these events due to travel and expenses — although YouTube will be asking those tuning in to donate. All proceeds will go toward the World Health Organization and similar organizations providing COVID-19 relief.
With so many of us looking for new content to watch as we stay inside, We Are One could be the perfect time to find some new favorite titles — and give to those in need. This event comes at a great time, and we’ll definitely be listening for announcements as to what films will air over the course of the event. With so many big names involved, there are bound to be some good ones.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.