In even more devastating news given this is one festival I am particularly passionate about, a statement by the Gold Coast Film Festival confirmed that their 2020 festivities have been cancelled. The statement, available in full below, indicates that while there might not be a festival at all in 2020 they are working with filmmakers and venues to reschedule at least some of the film screenings and events in the future.
* EVENT CANCELLED *
We are devastated to share the news that the 2020 Gold Coast Film Festival (15 – 26 April) has been cancelled, following the announcement from The Prime Minister that non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people are to be suspended from Monday.
We understand that this will be a heartbreaking situation for so many filmmakers, guests, sponsors and of course our team who have worked for months to put together the festival. However, the safety and health of our guests and staff is paramount.
We are so proud of the program we had created and thank you for your support. We will work with filmmakers and venues to reschedule some film events in the future.
For ticket holders, HOTA will contact you next week to work through refunding your bookings. Should you have queries, please email through to [Email] and we will endeavour to respond as quickly as possible.
Gold Coast Film Festival Team
This news comes only a week after announcing their complete line-up of film screenings, which included many World, Australian and Queensland Premieres. My thoughts go out to the entire Gold Coast Film Festival team, who I know have worked tirelessly for months putting everything together. Here’s hoping that once the warning about non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people is discontinued, that we such more from this creative team.
Sadly I can envision many more announcements of this sort in the coming days. I would recommend if you have a moment, taking the time to visit the Gold Coast Film Festival Website and appreciating the diverse program they put together, even if it won’t be going forward.
