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Major Film Events Postponed Due To COVID Restrictions

Staff Writer

"We are determined to share our wonderful program, and the work of so many incredible filmmakers, with audiences."

A pair of major Australian film festivals have been forced to readjust their schedules following the recent spate of nationwide lockdowns.

The Sydney Film Festival, originally planned for mid-August, has now been pushed back by three months, and is now due to take place from 3-14 November.

Festival director Nashen Moodley said of the changes, "The Sydney Film Festival looks forward to returning to cinemas for a COVID-safe event in November, when we’ll come together to celebrate the films we love, in person."

The festival's official Twitter also shared the news, adding "SFF is committed to a COVID-safe Festival and stands in solidarity with filmmaking, festival & arts communities."

Conversely, the Melbourne International Film Festival has readjusted its program to now feature their at-home programming starting at the original in-person commencement of 5 August. 

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The festival, which features a large collection of music-based presentations this year, will now take place from 12-22 August for in-person events, with virtual events going from 5-22 August.

"In the midst of covid-era calamity, constraint and complication, MIFF keeps moving forward to meet audiences where they are, including those in lockdown currently," artistic director Al Cossar stated. 

"Our whole festival team is working extremely hard to ensure that we can create and sustain as many opportunities for audiences to be a part of the festival this year as possible. 

"We are determined to share our wonderful program, and the work of so many incredible filmmakers, with audiences - through moving our entire schedule to make the most in-cinema screenings for the largest audience possible, utilising large capacity venues such as the Coburg Drive In, and expanding MIFF Play’s digital festival season, so that audiences anywhere in Australia can make MIFF happen, even in 2021."

Previously purchased tickets for events throughout both festivals remain valid and are eligible for full refunds if patrons cannot attend the new dates. 

For full details head to the official SFF and MIFF websites.