Festival programmers: how do you all feel about films that have screened as part of the virtual version of other festivals?

Question

It seems like post-COVID, most film festivals still have a virtual aspect for their film festival. As a filmmaker, I like the idea that as many people can see my film as possible.

But thinking longer-term, there's this part of you that goes "are other festivals going to care that anyone who bought a virtual pass to this other festival could have already seen the movie?"

Programmers: any firm feedback on your end about home much due diligence you're doing to see if a film has played as part of virtual festival elsewhere?

And more general question for everyone: does it seem appropriate to ask for geoblocking for the specific state where the physical festival takes place?

Posted Feb 10, 2026, 3:47 PM UTC

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