The Vancouver Island Short Film Festival is taking place a little later this year due to uncertainty around COVID-19.

The event, which is normally held in February, is scheduled to be presented virtually on July 23 and 24. Filmmakers from around the world have until June 1 to submit their work, while those based on the Island may enter for free. As usual, two spots, or 10 per cent of the festivalB次元官网网址檚 running time, is reserved for local films.

B次元官网网址淲e just kept holding off and holding off, hoping that we might be able to run something in 2021 and in person, ideally,B次元官网网址� VISFF director Hilary Eastmure said. B次元官网网址淏ut when it became clear that that was not going to be an option, we started looking for other ways to be able to continue the legacy of the [VISFF] and be able to support our local film community while still keeping everyone safe.B次元官网网址�

Eastmure said moving to an online model should be B次元官网网址渆asily doable,B次元官网网址� as other film festivals have set examples to follow and there is expertise on the festival board to draw from as well. The VISFF also received a $3,000 B.C. Arts Council grant which she said will go toward artists fees and cash prizes.

Like the in-person version of the festival, the plan is for this yearB次元官网网址檚 event to feature an MC, filmmaker discussions and an award show, only it will all be done remotely. Eastmure said hosting the festival online will also allow for a wider audience and they may keep the films viewable for a short period following the festival as well.

B次元官网网址淥nline just gives so many more options and more flexibility for viewing,B次元官网网址� Eastmure said. B次元官网网址淚t really does up the accessibility aspect of the film festival so we hope to be able to fully take advantage of that.B次元官网网址�

Eastmure only took on the director role last month, after years serving in publicity and submissions coordinator positions. She said her goal for this year is to help the VISFF continue supporting filmmakers in Nanaimo and abroad, especially since COVID-19 has affected their ability to showcase their work.

B次元官网网址淲hile COVID has stopped a lot of things in our lives, I know that artists and filmmakers have still been out there creating and working and shooting and editing,B次元官网网址� Eastmure said. B次元官网网址淎nd I know quite a few local filmmakers have short films that they have produced and are ready to start submitting so this is an opportunity for them to be able to show their work and have it appreciated by an audience.B次元官网网址�

For more information and to submit, .

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