Skip to content

Central Alberta Film Festival to proceed in Red Deer in partnership with CMHA

Screenings and awards to take place at Festival Hall with help from Canadian Mental Health Association
22724454_web1_200924-STI-CAFilmFestival-film_1

The 2020 Central Alberta Film Festival (CAFF) will take place onsite at Festival Hall in Red Deer Oct. 14th, 15th, 16th and 17th. Canadian Mental Health Association will run the box office and earn a portion of the ticket sales.

“The partnership between CMHA and CAFF is a perfect fit,” says Ranjit Mullakady, president of CAFF. “CMHA has volunteers in place, and CAFF has a way to contribute to CMHA fundraising.”

Organizers are preparing to offer an in-person festival experience in a safe environment, allowing for social distancing.

Tickets will be sold for blocks of time instead of individual films.

Screenings will run 6 - 9 p.m. on Oct. 14th, 15th and 16th. Screenings will run noon - 2 p.m. and 3 - 5 p.m. on Oct. 17th followed by an awards show from 6:30 - 9 p.m.

A variety of short and full-length films will be shown during the blocks without intermission.

“People can take breaks throughout the screenings if they need to, with social distancing protocols in mind,” says Mullakady.

Seating will be at tables this year, so groups of attendees will remain socially distant from other groups.

“We’ve always known the Festival would go on, even with worries about COVID-19,” says Mullakady. “We have a backup plan if things change. The festival will go on.”

CAFF is prepared to go forward as a drive-in event if government regulations about indoor gatherings change.

The Central Alberta Film Festival is a not-for-profit cultural organization with a mission to educate, support and promote cinematography and film making in Alberta and Canada.

CAFF is a bridge between the audience, critics and the contemporary filmmakers who want to showcase and discuss their work.