142 Films from 15 Countries Celebrating Filmakers and Film
Lovers Around the World
This year, as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, many movie theaters were forced to shut down, including all the theaters in the Westchester area. Film festivals around the world, large and small, had to make difficult decisions; Some chose to postpone, some to downsize and some to cancel entirely.
YoFiFest chose to pivot and adapt. Eight years ago we started with a mission to showcase the work of filmmakers, from around the world and right here in our own backyard, and to provide educational and cultural opportunities that otherwise would not exist in our community. This year, we are more committed than ever to continuing that mission, so we’re very excited to announce that the Eighth Annual YoFiFest Film Festival is happening with on-demand films starting in October and live online events running from November 7th through 22nd!
The festival provides an amazing opportunity for audiences to watch films that they might not see anywhere else. “The safety of our audience and filmmakers is a top priority,” said Dave Steck, YoFi’s Executive Director and co-founder, “After careful consideration of the guidance provided by the State, County and City, we’ve made the decision to have this year’s festival be a “virtual” one, with all of our films, talkbacks, workshops, and events being held online.”
The festival moved to an entirely online format back in March and have been steadily improving on it since then to deliver the best possible film festival experience. With this year’s virtual festival, audiences have the flexibility of watching the films “on demand” to fit their own schedule, on their choice of device, and from the convenience, comfort and safety of their homes.
“One of the great parts about having the festival online this year is we are able to reach nearly every corner o the planet,” said Patty Schumann, the festival’s co-founder and programming director, “The filmmaker talkbacks are one of the best parts of the film festival and this year almost every one of our filmmakers will attend their film’s Q&A! Of course we’ll miss seeing everyones faces and watching the movies together, but being able to include filmmakers and film fans from around the globe is very exciting for us!”
This year, the festival is offering 51 programs. They are divided into 42 screenings (consisting of a feature film or a block of shorts), 6 workshops, and 3 social events (The Meet The Filmmakers Party, The Trailer Party, and The Audience Choice Awards Ceremony). Being an international festival (we’re presenting 142 films from 15 countries this year), it’s not always possible for filmmakers to travel to us to attend their screenings, but we’re thrilled to announce that almost all of this year’s films will have representatives taking part in the live, online conversations about their films.
Visit YoFiFest.com to purchase your online tickets.
