Montclair Film Festival Adapts To COVID: Drive-In, Virtual Shows

MONTCLAIR, NJ — One of New Jersey’s most beloved film festivals is making some big changes as it adapts to the coronavirus pandemic.

Originally scheduled for May, the Montclair Film Festival was postponed shortly after COVID-19 began to spread in New Jersey. Now, organizers have relaunched the festival, which takes place from Oct. 16 to 25.

This year’s incarnation will feature a throwback to another era: drive-in movies.

There will be seven nights of “Carpool Theater” – the festival’s equivalent of drive-in movies – including a rotation of 12 films. Organizers said 100 cars will be allowed at each screening, which follow approved protocols for social distancing. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

The festival will also be rolling out a lineup of online screenings. The films will be featured on the festival’s new online platform, which is powered by Eventive. Learn more here.

To launch the new service, Montclair Film is offering a free remote screening of Ramona Diaz’s new film, “A Thousand Cuts,” for one week, starting Monday, Sept. 14 and ending Sunday, Sept. 20. After that date, the festival will release other free content so that patrons can explore the new system.

Tom Hall, the Montclair Film Festival executive director, said the new online platform will give the festival a way to screen new releases directly into residents’ homes, all-year long.

“We hope all of our patrons will use this week to test drive our new system,” Hall said.

Festival organizers said they plan to announce a full list of programs, schedules and venues on Oct. 2. Tickets will go on sale to Montclair Film members on Oct. 5 and to the general public on Oct. 8.

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