Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, a number of film festivals ended up shuttering plans for their events around North America this year. The Boston Underground, Brooklyn Horror, North Bend, Overlook, and Popcorn Frights film festivals all fell victim this year, and fortunately, that’s not stopping the festivities one bit.
The quintet is now forming a united front to bring fans a massive online film festival with Nightstream, and programmers from all five festivals are collaborating for the line-up which arrives in late September, ahead of the festival which will run from October 8 through 11. The films will be recognized as an official selection of each festival entity, while short film programs will be individually curated by each fest, along with a full slate of live events and panels taking place over that weekend.
As announced by Nightstream: “Proceeds from the event will be shared with all participating filmmakers and artists, and donations will be made on behalf of each associated festival to charitable causes and local businesses in their home cities. Earlybird Badges are now on sale as well, and Nightstream will offer two options for badges: a five film bundle and ten film package, priced at $55 and $90 respectively with each badge granting unlimited access to live events and panels.”
Per the announcement, Nightstream will be geo-locked to the U.S. and hosted on Eventive, which offers enhanced security features including the same DRM technology used by Disney+, iTunes, and Netflix, and is trusted by leading distributors and studios including A24, Sony Pictures Classics, Starz, Showtime, and National Geographic. It will function on multiple internet browsers as well as Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast and other connective devices to ensure the most wide-reaching compatibility, as well as comfort for viewers.
Nightstream will feature a program showcasing a mix of international horror, fantasy, sci-fi, vanguard, and underground films that capture the distinct curatorial spirit of each festival. Highlighting imaginative, daring, and bold voices in cinema, the festival will encompass the full scope of genre storytelling and provide an exciting home experience for film fans this Halloween season.
For more information about Nightstream and to view their open letter of intent signed by each collaborating festival, visit their official website!
