The original 2020 date for the Chattanooga Film Festival has come and gone  without the "Sundance of the South" having the chance to screen a single movie. That's because Chattanooga Film Festival organizers were proactive in March about cancelling the April 16-19 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

The Chattanooga Film Festival's slate of feature and short films will be streamed online, and will only be accessible during the dates of the event for 30,000 virtual attendees. In addition to the film screenings, Microsoft is using its technology to host post-film Q&As, panels, and other live content that give fans a chance to connect with filmmakers, producers, and other special guests.

 

The 2020 lineup, announced May 13, includes several celebrity guests, including Ice-T and the heavy metal band GWAR, as well as filmmakers Mick Garris, Alex Winter (best known for Bill & Ted and Lost Boys) and Joe Dante (of Gremlins and The Burbs fame). 

 

Access badges start at $10 for one-day access and $30 for full four-day access, while a $100 virtual badge gives guests VIP access that includes screenings of additional titles. Those who have already purchased tickets for the original CFF run in April will have their badges honored for the new, online event. Proceeds from ticket sales not only help keep the Chattanooga Film Festival, a certified 501(c)(3), coming back year after year but are also split with filmmakers in support of the film community and working artists.