Eventually, society adjusts—this is true across generations and ages. The Free-B Film Festival, now in its 22nd season, is no exception. The three differences between this year and past years are that you need to sign up prior to the film you want to see, occupancy is limited to 50 people per movie, and the festival is happening at the Fort Common.
Victoria Film Festival engagement coordinator Ravi Reetoo says working to ensure the safety of people coming to events has been key.
“We can’t have people lining up and being unsafe, waiting and hoping to watch the films,” he says. “That would be the biggest change.”
For Reetoo, the opportunity to show B-list films that some people may not be familiar with is a really exciting part of an event that, he says, is really about giving to people.
“We give them this opportunity to watch or re-watch some very different and rare films that you can enjoy or re-enjoy,” he says. “This lineup, we’ve gone back to the festival’s roots, so going back to more fun, B-movies; I’m really excited about that… It’s fun in itself, just watching the films.”
Reetoo says that seeing people’s reactions on social media to the movies screening this year has been exciting. People have asked to pre-order, but because it’s a free event, registration is being kept day-of only, he says.
“First come, first serve,” says Reetoo.
Because it’s a free event, sometimes people will sign up but not show up; if people aren’t there 15 minutes prior to the event, says Reetoo, they’ll risk having their spots given to others, as there is an audience who want to see these movies.
“People are still wanting to watch these films and, really, seeing their reactions online, people are very excited for these films, so it’s [positive] for us as an organization, and [it] feel[s] like we’re doing the right thing and bringing the right films to people.”
Registration for the first three films—Roman Holiday, The Brain That Wouldn’t Die, and George of the Jungle—happened on August 3. The last three—King Kong Escapes, The Witches, and Santa Claus Conquers the Martians—open up for registration at 10 am on August 10 at freebfilmfest.com.
The Free-B Film Festival
Various times, Thursday, August 13 to Saturday, August 22
Free, The Fort Common
freebfilmfest.com