Los Angeles (AFP)
The Sundance Film Festival unveiled its battle plan on Wednesday to face the coronavirus pandemic which continues to shake up the film industry: it will be held online but also through screenings organized in drive-ins and small independent cinemas.
Founded in particular by the legendary actor Robert Redford, 84, and renowned for his ability to spot future talents ("Reservoir Dogs" by Quentin Tarantino, Damien Chazelle with "Whiplash"), the Sundance festival is traditionally held in January and February in the mountains of Utah, since 1978.
But the Covid-19 keeps most cinemas closed and a new outbreak of contaminations across the United States continues to cripple activities in the country.
In Utah for example, more than 200,000 cases have been identified and the governor declared a state of emergency last month in front of these record contaminations.
“Even under these untenable conditions, artists still find a way to do their work, which is as daring as it is vital,” said festival director Tabitha Jackson.
Sundance will therefore offer social distancing-friendly previews in various locations, from California to New York, "to safely reach new audiences, wherever they are," she added.
Performers are expected to be physically present at events held at a Park City movie theater, the birthplace of the festival in Utah, as well as at two drive-ins in the Los Angeles area.
Previews will also be broadcast on the internet, followed by virtual question-and-answer sessions.
With the exception of that of Venice, the majority of festivals have this year given up organizing physical events, or even have simply canceled the festivities, as in Cannes or Telluride.
The Sundance Film Festival, shortened from previous editions, will be held from January 28 to February 3.
Its schedule of some 70 films has not yet been released but is expected to include feature films that will be Oscar-eligible, which have been postponed due to the pandemic and whose ceremony is scheduled for April 25.
© 2020 AFP