To offer festivalgoers a primarily big-screen experience, emphasizing ambiance, spontaneity and safety, the REGARD team will present the festival’s next edition from June 9 to 13, 2021. With summer just around the corner, it will be possible to watch the world’s best short films in theatres, outdoors or online. The effort reflects the organizers’ perseverance and determination to celebrate the festival’s 25th anniversary in style!
After having to shorten the 2020 edition of REGARD due to the pandemic, the festival team is more eager than ever to put on a lively cultural event for its loyal audience. Based on the festival’s initiatives this summer, the team is certain that holding part of the event outdoors will provide more latitude for organizing screenings, while preserving REGARD’s special character.
“Our team considers it unthinkable to deprive filmmakers of big-screen showings for a second year in a row. The same goes for movie lovers, especially after a year when very few new films were released. We decided to stack the odds in our favour to bring people together in the name of cinema and celebrate our 25th anniversary the right way.” - Marie-Élaine Riou, REGARD executive director
Three short-film showcases
From June 9 to 13, it will be possible to see all programs in the official competition in the Festival’s traditional venues, while maintaining physical distancing. Festivalgoers will also enjoy open-air screenings at fully serviced sites, along with live music and special events. And to make the festival’s programming as accessible as possible, all films from the 25th edition will be available online to pass holders for a set period. Of course, all activities will be compliant with public health regulations. For that reason, these plans are subject to change.
REGARD at school: still happening in March
The region’s preschool, elementary and secondary students will continue to enjoy the festival in winter. Every March, REGARD has a special place in the cultural life of the region’s children and teens. The festival’s youth team knows how important it is to keep this important date with young audiences. Classes will therefore be invited to attend screenings in theatres from March 9 to 15, 2021. In preparation, teachers will receive dynamic film instruction materials and online links for showing short films at school.
“More than ever, we believe there is a need to provide this film break to students in our region at this precise time of year, just before they return to the last stage of their academic year. We are therefore very proud to offer our collaborators in the educational sector the certainty that they will be able to live the REGARD experience in one way and / or another, whether or not the indoor activity is permitted by the authorities." - Marilou Desbiens, youth coordinator
Extended call for submissions
Good news for filmmakers: the call for submissions for the 25th edition is extended until December 15. In addition, the early-bird fee of $30 will apply until the new deadline. The festival’s programming team is eager to see the latest short films from around the world!
More information about the 25th anniversary, tickets and passes will be released in the coming months via the festival’s website and social media feeds.