Montreal, Tuesday, July 14, 2020 – The Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) is proud to announce that this year’s festival will be a hybrid event lasting three weeks, from November 12 to December 2. While protecting the festival’s essential character as a meeting place, and retaining the option of holding public events, the RIDM will present an original and extended online section.
“Screening films in theatres is, more than ever, the raison d’être guiding the RIDM’s passionate team. By producing this first-ever online section, we plan to serve filmmakers and their films better by adapting effectively to digital technology, for the long term.” - Sofia Laroussi, executive director
RIDM 2020: A UNIQUE FORMAT
The RIDM’s 23rd edition will feature a program accessible over three 7-day periods, organized thematically, supported by ample online content aimed at sparking dialogue between filmmakers and audiences and among the films in each section. The films will be accompanied by activities like online round tables in which artists will discuss the issues raised by their works; podcasts with in-depth interviews; and original short videos highlighting the unique aspects of particular films. Extending the festival to three weeks will make it possible to hold lower-density in-person events and allow the public to enjoy the festival for longer.
Through these initiatives, the RIDM seeks to create opportunities for encounters and broaden the festival’s appeal. It will also serve as an original way to promote the many films that will, given the exceptional circumstances, have to be premiered online. Lastly, this year’s festival will be a chance to implement digital content creation and promotional tools that will have long-term value as complements to the traditional festival format.
Forum RIDM, to be held from November 12 to 19, will also have a dynamic new online format, again with the possibility of in-person activities for the local industry, depending on the public health guidelines in effect at that time. Redoubling its efforts to foster business opportunities, professional development and greater inclusiveness, Forum RIDM will hold all of its marquee activities, including the Talent Lab presented by Netflix, the One-on-One, the Cinéma Pluriel workshops and special meetings with decision makers and experts.
The complete program for the 23rd annual RIDM will be announced on Wednesday, October 21, 2020.
About RIDM
Quebec’s only film festival dedicated to documentaries, the Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) presents the best reality‐based films, including the works of established directors and new talents.
About Forum RIDM
The Forum RIDM aims to stimulate the production and distribution of independent documentaries both nationally and internationally, by promoting the exchange of information and meetings between the various players in the documentary sector. Round tables, conferences and workshops on major current issues will bring together more than 300 filmmakers, producers, broadcasters and distributors for a week in 2020.