Chattanooga Film Festival Goes Virtual
The original 2020 date for the Chattanooga Film Festival has come and gone – without the “Sundance of the South” having the chance to screen a single movie. That’s because Chattanooga Film Festival organizers were proactive in March about cancelling the April 16-19 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a surprising shift occurred that revitalized the festival.
Microsoft, along with several partners including MediaKind, Evergent, VisualOn, and Slalom, stepped in to offer a solution. They proposed taking the Chattanooga Film Festival online, transforming it into a four-day interactive event not unlike the traditional festival in the Scenic City. This year, the entire festival will take place virtually, a month later than originally planned.
“In addition to the films we screen every year, the heart and soul of the festival are the friends we make and the community,” said festival founder and executive director Chris Dortch II. “When Microsoft approached us with this idea, we knew it meant the difference for the Chattanooga Film Festival surviving as an arts nonprofit. We are excited to innovate with Microsoft and MediaKind to deliver a virtual film festival that helps our community connect during these times.”
The Chattanooga Film Festival’s slate of feature and short films will be streamed online, accessible during the event dates for 30,000 virtual attendees. Moreover, Microsoft is leveraging its technology to host post-film Q&As, panels, and other live interactions that enhance the connection between fans and filmmakers, producers, and special guests.
The 2020 lineup, announced May 13, features several celebrity guests, including Ice-T and the heavy metal band GWAR, along with renowned filmmakers Mick Garris, Alex Winter (best known for Bill & Ted and Lost Boys), and Joe Dante (of Gremlins and The Burbs fame).
The films include the world premiere of Nicholas Ashe Bateman’s The Wanting Mare, alongside the Brazilian horror flick Skull. Other notable features are Climate of the Hunter, Jumbo, The Beach House, Scare Package, La Sirena, Disco Graveyard, and I Don’t Do This For Love, I Do This For Love – Nathan Bell on Tour.
Access badges start at $10 for one-day access and $30 for full four-day access. A $100 virtual badge provides guests with VIP access, including screenings of additional titles. Proceeds from ticket sales are crucial for sustaining the Chattanooga Film Festival, a certified 501(c)(3) organization, enabling it to support filmmakers and the arts community effectively.
Since its inception in 2014, the Chattanooga Film Festival has evolved from its roots in the Mise en Scenesters film club, founded by Dortch in 2009. Initially showcasing indie films in makeshift venues, this festival has grown significantly, allowing more film enthusiasts to engage with unique cinematic experiences.
Chattanooga is Tennessee’s fourth-largest city, renowned for its arts scene. Hence, Mise en Scenesters provided a vital platform for indie, arthouse, and genre films, eliminating the need for long drives to independent theaters in Nashville and Atlanta. Consequently, the early popularity of MES encouraged Dortch to launch a full-fledged film festival, which has grown over the years.
The Chattanooga Film Festival initially leveraged local chain theaters for screenings, later transitioning to the Chattanooga Theatre Centre. This year marked a significant shift, with the festival being hosted entirely online, enhancing accessibility for film aficionados regardless of location.
With this new online format, there are infinite opportunities for film enthusiasts to experience this true labor of love. As we navigate these challenging times, the festival provides a refreshing sense of community, creativity, and artistic expression.
For more information about the Chattanooga Film Festival, visit the official website: Chattanooga Film Festival.
