As an indie filmmaker, how do I still continue to network in “real life” given travel bans? How would an online screening impact premiere status for other festivals? If I agree to do an online screening with a festival, will I be disqualified from other festivals? Would it be better to put a film’s distribution plan on hold and send it in 2021/2022 when things resume? Should I switch careers now that a filmmaking career is less feasible?

Some of the burning questions from film graduates will be answered in this special spotlight with seasoned festival programmers. We invite our jury member, Kiki Fung (programme consultant of Hong Kong International Film Festival) and previous jury member, Ben Thompson (senior programmer of Tribeca festival) in addressing the evolving state of festival distribution.