The Yorkton Film Festival scheduled for May 21 to 24, has been postponed.
Citing the COVID-19 pandemic and direction given by the World Health Organization, the Canadian government and the Saskatchewan government, the decision to postpone the festival was made stated a release issued Monday.
“We’ve been monitoring the responses to COVID-19, seeing what other events have been doing,” Festival Executive Director Randy Goulden told Yorkton This Week.
With other events being postponed, or canceled, and the uncertainty surrounding facilities which are currently closed in terms of hosting the film festival, Goulden said it was prudent to make the decision.
“Postponing the festival was not a decision that we took lightly, but it was the right thing to do for all involved including festival delegates, speakers, and staff,” related a release. “This was a tough but necessary call, and we are confident that the festival will be delivered at a later time. Our team is working on new ways to connect and honour the filmmakers who have submitted their work to the Golden Sheaf Awards. We look forward to working with all of you in the coming months to do just that.”
As for when the Festival might be held, Goulden said that is unclear at present.
“We are working closely with all of our sponsors, and partners,” she said, adding it is recognized finding a time when the various filmmakers and Festival panelists could come post the COVID-19 situation will not be easy.
In fact, Goulden, who said they would like to present the awards in June, did not rule out some sort of online presentation.
As it stands the Golden Sheaf nominees are now undergoing the final adjudication process for awards, and the awards do need to be presented.
“Filmmakers have taken pride in making submissions to us,” said Goulden adding there are some 300 entries this year.
