The
organizers of last year’s successful Knysna Film Festival have rebranded the
festival to GRIFF – Garden Route International Film Festival. ‘In light of the
current Covid19 pandemic we had to change our concept for the short term to
ensure the festival goes ahead. To this end we are bringing back Drive-ins to
the Garden Route and also taking the festival Online as a Virtual Festival’
says Patrick Walton GRIFF Festival Director.
The
organizers have already completed a recce of suitable locations in Riversdale,
Mosselbay, George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Calitzdorp, Ladysmith and
Oudtshoorn.
The
organizers are taking this two-tier approach in order to ensure that the
festival goes ahead in a Virtual environment and physical space. If Covid19
levels disrupt plans for the Drive-ins, postponement is easy with all the necessary
planning already in place.
The
Drive-in Cinemas will feature a double bill for two nights in each town. A film
in competition and an ‘Oldy but a goodie’ will be screened each night.
Organizers anticipate that due to the limited number of cars allowed under
gathering restrictions, tickets will be a sought-after commodity.
Post
festival, the organizers anticipate continuing with the drive-ins, creating an
opportunity for individuals to create a business around the concept. ‘We have
the equipment and infrastructure, so we want it out there for audiences to
enjoy and take advantage of long after the festival finishes.’ says Festival
Coordinator Shianne Maritz.
Safety
remains the number one priority so audiences will enjoy films from the comfort
of their own cars. Depending on the level of Covid19 over the festival dates, there
may also be some additional nostalgic services on offer. The organizers showed their creative and
innovative thinking with the film festival last year and are intent on stepping
things up a gear this year.
Tickets
will go on sale a month prior to the event and depending on the venue and
restrictions at the time, up to 60 cars per venue are anticipated.
We
want people to enjoy this form of socializing and remember the hey-days of the
drive-in experience and share that as a family. More information will be available on the festival
website and Facebook page as planning continues. The Virtual film festival is
scheduled for 21st September 2020 to 11th October 2020.
For
more information or images please contact GRIFF Festival Director Patrick
Walton
director@gardenrouteinternationalfilmfestival.com
/ 082 4751212.
Facebook
page: www.facebook.com/GRIFFfilmfest
