By Chris Evangelista/April 2, 2020 11:30 am EST
Janet Pierson, Director of Film at SXSW, said:
No titles have been announced yet, and just which filmmakers will go in for this idea remains to be seen. That said, filmmakers who choose to participate will receive a screening fee for streaming their film over the 10-day period. There’s no launch date in place yet, but everyone is hoping for late April. SXSW has reached out to the 2020 filmmakers with the info.
“We’re honored to be able to provide a space for the SXSW filmmakers to share their hard work and passion with audiences for the first time. It’s been a privilege collaborating with Janet Pierson and the SXSW team to bring these diverse and inspiring films to viewers around the country. We are supporters of SXSW and other independent film festivals, and hope this online film festival can help give back some of that experience, and showcase artists and films that audiences might otherwise not have had the chance to see.”
This is a pretty big deal overall, and I can’t help but wonder what other 2020 film festivals might follow suit. Cannes has delayed its date, and whether or not it happens at all this year remains up in the air. Would they be willing to try something like this? What about TIFF? NYFF? I honestly don’t know. We’re in uncharted waters here, and we’re all just figuring things out as we go along.
