Cleveland and Full Frame Documentary Film Festivals Cancelled, Jeonju Postponed, Due to Coronavirus

The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared the coronavirus outbreak to be a pandemic and more film festivals including Cleveland and Full Frame Documentary film festivals have decided to postpone or outright cancel this year’s edition.

Cleveland International Film Festival issued a statement confirming its cancellation, acknowledging ” While we are saddened that our film loving audience will not have the opportunity to experience CIFF44’s amazing films and talented filmmakers, we understand the City’s obligation to protect the health and safety of all residents. We regret not having the opportunity to celebrate our three decades at Tower City Center. But we look forward to presenting CIFF45, April 7-18, 2021, at our new and permanent home in Playhouse Square.” – CIFF Executive Director Marcie Goodman

in an email Full Frame Documentary Film Festival noted that, Duke University cancelled all sponsored events through April 20, 2020, which includes this year’s Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. The festival is now looking ahead to next year’s festival, running April 8-11, 2021.

Watsonville Film Festival in Watsonville, California has cancelled this year’s 8th edition of the festival which was scheduled to take place this weekend, March 12th to 15th.

The Panama International Film Festival has postponed its ninth edition, due to run from March 26 to April 1. In a statement posted on its website, the festival said, ” we concur and comply with the norms of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Panama, as well as of the World Health Organization, to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on our nation.”

South Korea’s Jeonju International Film Festival (JEONJU IFF) will postpone this year’s event by about one month due to the COVID-19. The JEONJU IFF will open its 21st edition from May 28 to June 6, for 10 days.