Great Barrington — In response to rapidly escalating coronavirus concerns, the Berkshire International Film Festival has decided to move its 15th annual festival to September 10th through the 13th. Like its fellow nonprofit organizations, the move was made to ensure the health and well-being of the Berkshire community, visitors, staff and volunteers during this unprecedented time. Each year, the festival screens more than 80 films at venues throughout Berkshire County over four days in May. More than 70 filmmakers from around the world attend the event and its annual Filmmakers Summit.
“After thoughtful consideration and in response to the growing uncertainty of the coronavirus outbreak, we have decided to reschedule our 2020 festival to this fall. We are incredibly grateful to our festival partners for their willingness to host the BIFF in September and to all of our patrons for their understanding and ongoing support,” said Kelley Vickery, the festival’s founder and artistic director. “Our hearts go out to our fellow cultural organizations here in the Berkshires and to our colleagues around the world as we navigate this difficult time.”
We are incredibly grateful to our festival partners for their willingness to swiftly work with us to postpone and continue to host the BIFF in September this year. The festival plans to screen films at the Triplex Cinema, the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, the Phoenix Theatre’s Beacon Cinema, and the Tanglewood Learning Institute. The schedule will continue to include its popular Opening Nights, Tribute Night, Closing Night and Tea Talk events with filmmakers. All pass purchases will be honored in the fall or for spring 2021.
