The SXSW Film Festival came up with a game-changing plan today. The originally canceled fest is now set to happen but in digital form.
According to The Wrap, the 2020 SXSW Film Festival is setting up an online streaming portal that will allow the films to be seen. No, the public will not get to see the films, but giving them a digital portal will help these young independent filmmakers reach out to the press and buyers.
Given that SXSW doesn’t have much of a say as far as the theatrical experience goes, at least when compared to Cannes or Venice, why not support all the young directors who were supposed to have their movies screened in Austin and have critics review online screeners? Awards are still set to be given out on March 24th as well.
We know it’s no substitute for the live SXSW event with its unique and fantastic audience, but at least it’s some way to get attention for these wonderful films,” SXSW’s Director of Film Janet Pierson said. “We have been heartened by the efforts of so many in the film industry and wider film community to come together with offers to help SXSW projects by offering screening rooms, fee waivers, and so many ways. We are continuing to explore other ways to support the paths of the SXSW 2020 Official Selection films and filmmakers in this new environment.”
With all that being said, Word of Reel will be covering the SXSW film festival as comprehensibly as it possibly can. We have a shortlist of 20 or so movies which will be screened for us, I am cautiously optimistic that can be worked out in the next few days and we can begin the coverage by Monday.