YouTube and Tribeca Enterprises won’t let indie film lovers down. They have teamed for a 10-day event, “We Are One: A Global Film Festival,” that streams on YouTube May 29.
The free project, a response to worldwide cancellations due to the pandemic, utilizes content from 20 global film fests. They include the prestigious Sundance, Cannes, Berlin and Toronto, among others, as well as the Annecy animation festival, reports Deadline.
The content will be a mix of releases and more established movies. Movies slated for this year’s events aren’t expected, given rights issues. The lineup of films, shorts, documentaries, music, comedy, and conversations will be released at a later date.
Jane Rosenthal, CEO of Tribeca Enterprises-cofounder of the Tribeca Film Festival, noted: “We often talk about film’s uniquely powerful role in inspiring and uniting people across borders and differences to help heal the world. All of the world needs healing right now.”
Robert Kyncl, Chief Business Officer, YouTube, added: “It’s an event that’s never been done before, and we’re proud to be the home for this fantastic content that is free to fans around the world.”
As to logistics, the SXSW 2020 event was nixed this year, but the SXSW Film Festival found a way to screen its content — on Amazon Prime Video. It may be a blueprint for going forward.
Also, when the Tribeca Film Festival was canceled, it chose to stream some of its entrees for free on its site, starting March 30. Filmmakers even utilize Instagram Stories on Tribeca’s link to chronicle stay-at-home life.
Donations will benefit the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and local relief partners in various parts of the world.