Global film festivals unite to bring the world’s best films to home screens everywhere via YouTube. More than 20 festivals including the famous Cannes, Tribeca, Sundance, Berlin, Venice and Toronto Film Festivals have joined together to create a 10-day digital event titled “We Are One: A Global Film Festival”.
Commencing on the 29th of May, the festival will showcase films, documentaries, music, comedy and conversations. Organisers have yet to publish the exact programming details but speculation is that it is unlikely that major new movies that generally launch at film festivals will be included.
The move comes after COVID-19 has forced cinemas and traditional festival and film markets to close around the world. The impact on studios and filmmakers has been significant as the industry relies on this infrastructure to promote and distribute its products.
Organisers note that the festival will stream for free but they encourage viewers to donate to the WHO’s COVID-19 Solidarity Fund. They hope that the streaming festival will further encourage filmmaking and provide entertainment and hope for millions worldwide.
Other festivals taking part include those in Jerusalem, Mumbai, Sarajevo, Sydney, Tokyo and London.