Film festivals in times of COVID-19: Online vs. live events – The case of Alicante region

Abstract

COVID-19 caused many cultural events to change, also encouraged by the demand of an audience that would otherwise no longer have had access to culture. Among the diverse types of film festivals, it was the festival-driven form that appeared most vulnerable in pandemic times. Consequently, many of them faced important challenges to try to maintain their status and continuity. From personal interviews to directors or coordinators of film festivals in the Alicante region (Spain) this viewpoint aims at knowing how they managed their events in 2020 to use this experience for the future.