There will still be a Kamloops Film Festival this year despite the COVID-19 restrictions though this year’s festival will be different than years past.

Kamloops Film Society Executive Director Dusan Magdolen says they’re still working out the final details of the 2021 edition of the festival which will likely be postponed slightly.

“You know we’ll have to kind of make some of the final decisions on Feb. 5 (when current restrictions are set to end) and that doesn’t give us a ton of time if we are to go at our usual time in early March, so we’re looking at something probably late March or into early April,” he said on NL Newsday.

Magdolen says if they’re not allowed to screen movies at Paramount Theatre because of COVID restrictions, the film festival could be held online only or as a drive-in event. The Film Society organized a series of outdoor film screenings at McArthur Island over the summer last year.

“We’re working out some of those details but its definitely going to happen and we’re going to make it as exciting and cool and enjoyable for people,” he said.

Last year’s film festival was scheduled to run from Mar. 5 to Mar. 14. The final five movies over two days – Mar. 13 and 14 – were limited to just 250 people after the government brought in a ban on gatherings larger than 250 people on Mar. 12.

Magdolen also says the Film Society hasn’t finalized the lineup for the 2021 Film Festival, noting it will depend on how the festival is held.

“A lot of that will depend on exactly how we do it because certain stuff can only be online, certain stuff can only be in person,” he said. “However, throughout the year we are keeping our eye on what’s coming out and what’s getting awards, so we definitely have a shortlist, but no finalized lineup.”

(Photo via Kamloops Film Society)