SUN VALLEY, Idaho — Due to Coronavirus concerns, the Sun Valley Film Festival organizers –- out of what they call “an abundance of caution” -– have made changes to the Film Festival schedule.
“These shifts, made in consultation with tourism officials, sponsors, partners and filmmakers, will allow the ‘show to go on’, March 18-22, albeit in a slightly altered fashion, in order to keep the health and safety of all participants a top priority,” stated Film Festival spokeswoman Carol Waller.
In an effort to reduce the size of public gatherings, the City of Ketchum and SVFF have jointly agreed that the “Main Street Salutes a Legend” party on Friday night -- which was a free public event expected to draw large crowds -- will be postponed to 2021.
The Festival Film screenings and programs will continue to be held in the scheduled small private venues.
“At each of the venues, SVFF is working to ensure preparedness according to guidelines from government agencies and our public health partners, including the CDC, the World Health Organization, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and Idaho South Central Public Health District,” Waller stated.
In accordance with CDC recommendations the SVFF will add sanitation stations; increase the frequency of cleaning high-traffic areas, such as doorknobs, railings, bathrooms, and tables at venues; wipe surfaces with products that are effective against common disease-causing organisms; and sanitize all microphones in between panels and talks.
Festival organizers confirm that there are no invited special guests coming from outside the United States, and the majority of its annual event attendees are typically from Blaine County and the southern Idaho region.
“Recognizing the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation, SVFF will provide pass and ticket holders who wish to avoid participation this year due to illness with a ‘raincheck’ for use at the SVFF’s 10th anniversary event in 2021,” Waller said.
“I applaud all of the efforts and preventative measures being taken by the Festival organizers and others to ensure this event, which is such a jewel for our community, happens safely for all involved,” said Sun Valley Mayor Peter Hendricks.
You are urged to check the Festival website, www.sunvalleyfilmfestival.org for updates and the latest information.
(photo courtesy: Sun Valley Film Festival)
