DocFest announces its going virtual in 2021. Audiences will be able to view the festival’s curated program and participate in special live streamed events online. In this time of huge shifts, DocFest is drawing on its original inspiration — to bring outstanding documentaries to the community, provide opportunities for community engagement, and to support filmmakers and the art of filmmaking.

Instead of 3-days to catch DocFest’s films, audiences will have 10-days from March 5-14, 2021 to watch their favorite picks at a leisurely pace. The festival will include live-streamed events, viewer conversations and Q&A’s with filmmakers. Virtual watch bubble parties would be a great way to connect and celebrate the coming of Spring. DocFest’s 10^th annual program will feature some absolutely must-see films from around the world and right here in the Quinte region.

DocFest organizers are planning a top-notch virtual audience experience using a state-of-the-art on-line platform that makes it simple to watch great films. The team believes the investment in user-friendly technology including 24/7 audience support directly from film viewers screens will be well received. Not to mention apps for Roku and Apple TV. 

DocFest has worked hard to build a strong reputation in the Canadian film industry as the little film fest that could. The 9^th annual saw record crowds with just shy of 5000 seats filled. It also drew some of the biggest filmmakers in the country to present their films in-person, engage audiences in questions and answer sessions, and to connect with other filmmakers. Notable guests included Daniel Roher director of Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson and The Band, Peter Raymont director of Margret Atwood: A Word After A Word After A Word Is Power, Alan Zweig director of Coppers and Kevin Hearn (of Barenaked Ladies) a central player in the doc There Are No Fakes. 

The DocFest team can’t wait to watch incredible films together again ‘in-person’ but we’re excited to present a virtual film festival in 2021 that will (safely) celebrate Belleville, the arts and our supportive community. Passes on sale soon. Stay tuned for film and event announcements. 

DocFest is deeply grateful for the support of the community, and the Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Canadian Heritage and the City of Belleville.

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