With COVID-19 making in-person screenings no longer an option for this year’s Aspen Shortsfest, Aspen Film turned to digital screenings. Each year, Aspen Film curates internationally recognized short films from all over the world during the Aspen Shortsfest. This Oscar-qualifying festival was held from March 31st through April 5th, but this year, for the first time ever, Shortsfest was virtual.

Audience members who purchased virtual passes to either individual films or to the entire festival received access codes which allowed them to view the films from their homes. Per usual, the Shortsfest’s Competition Jury, Youth Jury, and audience members selected winners for multiple categories following the event.

Mary McClure, the Education Coordinator for Aspen Film, worked to conduct the Youth Jury virtually during Shortsfest. The Youth Jury picks a film at the end of the festival that speaks to their generation.

“We take between seven to eleven highschoolers. They normally meet in Wheeler [Opera House] to watch the movies and talk about them. This process continues through the end of the film festival where the Youth Jury gives an award to the filmmaker of their choice. However, this year, we Zoomed every afternoon to watch, discuss and rate the films,” McClure said.

Aspen Film brings filmmakers from all over the world to the Shortsfest, bringing new exposure to Aspen audience members. Although these interpersonal relations were lost this year due to COVID-19, McClure explains that audience members were thrilled to watch the films regardless.

“I have gotten resounding feedback from the festival\; audience members feeling very grateful that we were able to offer [the Shortsfest] to people. When people have to be in their home, it is something that people really look forward to,” McClure said.

Jason Anderson, who is the Programming Director for Aspen Shortsfest, also received positive feedback following the virtual screenings.

“I think the virtual version has been especially well appreciated since so many arts events have been canceled or postponed because of the crisis and we were able to show that there was still a way forward despite all the challenges and a means to show these great movies we were so excited to share,” Anderson said.

Both Anderson and McClure agreed that the arts are vital in a time where so many people are turning to entertainment and different forms of distractions.

“Art and culture can seem especially valuable in times like these when people may be feeling scared and isolated and really need the sense of human connection, understanding, and empathy that art can foster between people even if they can’t be together in person,” Anderson said.

In terms of the logistical switch from a physical to the virtual festival, Aspen Film collaborated with a company in Paris called Festival Scope. Anderson explained how Aspen Shortsfesr was the most extensive project that Festival Scope had ever done since they were the first festival to present a full edition on its platform.

“We also included the films in the programs rather than individually, so we got to offer virtual viewers a curated mix of animation, documentary, dramas, and comedies in every program, just like they would have seen at the physical festival,” Anderson said.

McClure stated that audience members spoke to her to relay that they were thankful that Aspen Film found a way to make the festival work.

“If we could pull it off, we were all in. We put it together in two weeks, and we are a very small non-profit with only four staff members in the office I think it [Shortsfest] worked as best as it could, and I am really proud of Aspen Film for bringing it to everybody,” McClure said.