Cannes and Venice Film Festivals Reject Online Editions Amid COVID-19 Uncertainty

The 2020 Cannes Film Festival and Venice Film Festival will not adopt online formats, unlike the Toronto International Film Festival which is considering digital options. Cannes artistic director Thierry Fremaux told Variety that a digital festival would not work for Cannes due to its history and efficiency, questioning how rights holders would agree. He cited films like Wes Anderson's and Paul Verhoeven's, Top Gun 2, and Pixar's Soul as examples meant for theatrical release. Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera also opposes an online edition, noting Venice has more time to decide as it is scheduled for September 2-12. Barbera outlined three scenarios: cancellation if the pandemic persists, normal operation if it ends, or an intermediate scenario with constraints. The Berlin International Film Festival concluded in late February before the crisis. The Venice Film Festival already has a digital screening room supported by MyMovies and Cinemascope. The article by Margherita Bordino highlights the traditional stance of both festivals against digital transformation.