FILM FESTIVAL NEWS: Waco’s Deep in the Heart Film Festival Goes All-Virtual with fest set for September
The Deep in the Heart Film Festival announced new dates and the decision to shift to an all-virtual presentation for the 4th edition of the popular Waco-based film festival. The film festival will now take place September 24-29.
The film festival’s co-founders and directors Samuel Thomas and Louis Hunter had been hopeful to be one of the first film festival’s to brave returning to the theater and had been putting plans in place to do just that, yet with extreme protocols and measures in place to ensure the health and safety of filmmakers, audience members and staff. However, with the marked surge of infections from the COVID-19 virus safety concerns joined with restrictions put in place for the near future regarding public gatherings to make the decision to pivot an easy one for the duo and the organization.
Thomas said, “While the Deep in the Heart Film Festival has made a name for ourselves in a short time due to our screenings, panels, parties, and other events, hosting a virtual festival is the safest way to engage our community and share the great films we have selected this year.”
While the film festival has become a highly anticipated occasion for local film fans to both enjoy the films and connect and meet so many of the filmmakers, cast members, and film artists, Deep in the Heart has also built a solid reputation for the programming itself. Known for their focus on storytelling and visual artistry that can touch audiences, yet also inspire deeper conversation, the Deep in the Heart Film Festival has brought films to Waco that have premiered at major market film festivals like Sundance, South by Southwest, Cannes and Tribeca. Add to that a dedication to spotlight films shot and produced in Waco and celebrate made Texas talent, and it’s easy to see why the film festival has been accepted as a film tastemaker in this part of Texas so quickly.
Once the decision was made to pivot to an all-virtual presentation, Thomas and Hunter immediately began working with the staff to ensure that not only was that essential element not lost, but that they would have fun and use their creative muscles to bring the Deep in the Heart experience to people’s homes. As Programming Director Maverick Moore said, “It’s going to be good old fashioned fun at the movies… but this time it’ll be at your house.”
Among the virtual presentations will be industry panels and screenplay readings – both with special guests participating, publicized watch parties, and even a virtual red carpet with this year’s filmmakers and a virtual happy hour including the film fans too. In addition, following screenings, viewers will be able to speak directly with the filmmakers during live Q&As.
