KNYSNA NEWS - The organisers of last year’s inaugural Knysna Film Festival have, for its second year, rebranded the festival as the Garden Route International Film Festival (Griff), and will be shifting the way in which it will operate this year.

"In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic we had to change our concept for the short term to ensure the festival goes ahead. To this end we will be bringing back drive-ins to the Garden Route and are also taking the festival online as a partially virtual festival," said festival director Patrick Walton. 

The organisers have already completed a recce of suitable locations in Riversdale, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, Calitzdorp, Ladismith, and Oudtshoorn.

"The organisers are taking this two-tier approach to ensure that the festival goes ahead in a virtual environment and physical space. If Covid19 levels disrupt plans for the drive-ins, postponement is easy with all the necessary planning already in place," Walton explained. The drive-in cinemas will feature a double bill for two nights in each town – a film in competition as well as an "oldy but goody" will be screened each night.

Organisers hope that due to the limited number of cars allowed under gathering restrictions, tickets will be a sought-after commodity. Post-festival, organisers hope to continue with the drive-ins, creating an opportunity for individuals to create a business around the concept. "We have the equipment and infrastructure, so we want it out there for audiences to enjoy and take advantage of long after the festival finishes," said festival coordinator Shianne Maritz.

Safety remains the number one priority, however, so audiences will enjoy films from the comfort of their own cars. Depending on the level of Covid-19 lockdown during the festival dates, there may also be some additional nostalgic services on offer. Tickets will go on sale a month prior to the event and depending on the venue and restrictions at the time, up to 60 cars per venue are anticipated.

"We want people to enjoy this form of socialising and remember the heydays of the drive-in experience and share that as a family," Walton said.

The virtual film festival is scheduled for 21 September to 11 October, and more information will be available on the festival website and Facebook page as planning continues. 

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