Advertisement

All the online film festivals to look out for in 2020

Pexels / Pixabay
Pexels / Pixabay

There are plenty of great films to look forward to as cinemas reopen, and some of the biggest events in the industry calendar have been busy making plans to move online.

It’s not been an easy time for film. Cannes was one of the first major festivals to be postponed due to the outbreak. Even though we know which movies would have competed this year, the red carpet was folded away until 2021.

But just because events aren't taking place in person, it doesn’t mean there’s still not an awful lot to be excited for in 2020. In fact, film festivals are moving online and becoming more accessible than ever for fans around the world.

Some of the major events are still happening in person, including the Venice Film Festival on September 2-12, but we’ve listed some of the major events which fans can get involved with online. There's a mixture of free-to-access and paid, ticketed events to look out for this year, with information below.

These are the virtual festivals to look out for later this year.

Locarno Film Festival

One of Europe’s most prestigious festivals, Locarno in Switzerland, is going virtual this year and “will consist of online screenings, VOD platforms, short films, and journeys into the history of cinema”. There’ll be an emphasis placed on supporting independent films.

There will be 20 titles in the Open Doors Screenings section of the website available for viewing worldwide exclusively online on the Locarno Film Festival website (up to 1,500 free views).

Free, August 5-15, locarnofestival.ch

Hip Hop Film Festival

This festival, now in its fifth year, is more than just a film event. As well as screenings, there’ll be masterclass events and even DJ battles happening online. This year’s virtual event, which is dedicated to Ice Cube, is packed with practical lessons and events for talents looking to make an impact in the industry, including an acting workshop with casting agent Wendy McKenzie and Power's Naturi Naughton, and a writer's retreat and competition for aspiring screenwriters.

Passes start at $50 (£39.50), August 6-9, hiphopfilmfestival.org

Sundance Film Festival: London

On the bill: Uncle Frank will be presented at the event
On the bill: Uncle Frank will be presented at the event

Sundance Film Festival: London has teamed up with Picturehouse to announce the line-up for this year’s online edition. The original event was cancelled owing to the coronavirus outbreak, but film fans can take part in the virtual festival this summer.

There will be three movies presented during the festival – Uncle Frank, Luxor and Boys State – with the UK premiere screenings, Q&A sessions with filmmakers and a short film programme.

Passes cost £20, August 7-9, london.sundance.org

American Black Film Festival

Committed to bringing together a community of black artist and filmmaking talents, this Florida-based series is hosting premieres online, as well as networking events, business masterclasses and panel discussions.

Passes are free and registration is open on August 17, August 21-30, abff.com

Toronto International Film Festival

There’ll be both in-person and digital movie screenings taking place at Toronto this year, as well as drive-in events and virtual red carpet premieres. The biggest festival in North America is usually split over 10 days and hosts around 300 feature-length films, but the reduced line-up will be split over five days, with 50 new movies and five short film programmes.

September 10-20, tiff.net

BFI London Film Festival

image

BFI London Film Festival, which is being billed as the festival’s most accessible yet, will take place both online and in person, with a mix of virtual events and cinema screenings across 12 days in the capital. Fans can expect up to 50 virtual film premieres as part of the event, all presented with Q&As or introductions from BFI. The films will represent talent from all over the world, encompassing fiction, documentary, animation and restored classics. Previews will also take place in cinemas around the country during the event, including at the BFI Southbank. The full programme will be announced on September 8.

Ticket information has yet to be released, October 7-18, bfi.org.uk

Raindance Film Festival

This year, the London-based celebration will be a mix of online and in-person events. The independent festival will announce its programme in September, with “industry sessions, panels and gigs at various central London venues” as well as panel discussions, online screenings and VR experiences to look out for.

Ticket information has yet to be released, October 28-November 7, raindance.org