The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has forced billions across the globe to abide by stay-at-home orders to mitigate the spread of infection.
This has impacted many sectors in the global economy. Perhaps none more than the film industry. With social distancing measures put in place, going to the movie theater is an instant taboo, since people will be sitting in close proximity with each other.
Sure, cinemas could cordon off some seats in order to provide more physical distance between each movie goer. But the fact of the matter is there will still be a lot of people in each individual theater.
While millions of dollars have been pumped into the global film industry, the onset of COVID-19 has proven to be a formidable setback. This has forced major showcase events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Tribeca Film Festival to cancel outright. But as the saying goes: The show must go on.
In a bid to salvage the hard work put into films and documentaries slated for a 2020 release, more than 20 film festivals have collaborated with YouTube to organize a global movie streaming event.
According to Reuters, the 10-day event dubbed 'We Are One: A Global Film Festival' will feature unique curations by some of the world's most prestigious film showcase events, including the Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Sundance, Toronto, and Tribeca film festivals.
Slated to premiere on May 29, viewers will get to watch works of all genres. This ranges from films, documentaries, music, comedy, and conversations.
But perhaps the best part of it all is the fact that the event will be completely free to watch. It's definitely a wonderful idea, and a magnificent opportunity for movie-buffs.
I've always wondered what it would be like to attend one of these major film festivals. But I guess I won't have to keep wondering soon enough.
The event is organized by Tribeca Enterprises (the company behind the Tribeca Film Festival) and YouTube.
Amid the spread of COVID-19 and the bleak uncertainty surrounding the viability of film showcases across the globe, Tribeca Enterprises co-founder Jane Rosenthal believes 'We Are One: A Global Film Festival' will serve as a beacon of hope and continuity for filmmakers and film lovers alike.
"We often talk about film's uniquely powerful role in inspiring and uniting people across borders and differences to help heal the world. All of the world needs healing right now,” said Rosenthal in a Tribeca Enterprises statement.
But the event also serves as a bridge to connect those who've never experienced this type of festival before, especially now with everyone cooped up at home. According to YouTube's Chief Business Officer Robert Kyncl, it's a great opportunity for people to expand their film horizons, especially since the event will be streamed on YouTube.
"One of the most unique and inspiring aspects of the world staying home is our ability to come together and experience an event as one, and We Are One: A Global Film Festival is just that," says Kyncl in the same Tribeca Enterprises statement.
"Along with Tribeca Enterprises and our incredible partners, we are bringing fans the opportunity to experience the curated programming each of these festivals provides as part of our ten-day long event. It's an event that's never been done before and we're proud to be the home for this fantastic content that is free to fans around the world."
Viewers will also be encouraged to donate to the World Health Organization's (WHO) COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.
Other festivals taking part include those from Jerusalem, Mumbai, Sarajevo, Sydney, Tokyo and London.
We Are One: A Global Film Festival will run from May 29 to June 7 on the We Are One YouTube page.
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Cover image sourced from Pop Culturalist.
