My name is Scott Anderson and I am the director of the Projecting Hope Film Festival.

 

I am writing today to share my heart, and our decision regarding the 2020 Projecting Hope Film Festival (in light of the current situation with the spread of COVID-19).

 

As you know, events large and small across our region are reassessing their plans. Colleges are holding classes strictly online, and sporting events are being cancelled in an effort to slow the spread of the virus. 

 

I am certainly not a doctor or an infectious disease specialist, so I do not know if the current recommendations restricting large events are warranted. However, I do know this: If there is any question, we are going to err on the side of protecting our patrons and festival team members. We would be heartbroken to know that we were unwittingly a part of spreading the virus within our community.

 

Hence, we have decided to postpone the 2020 Film Festival and will reschedule.

 

  We have made this decision to:   

 

• Protect the public: Public health officials are recommending cancelling non-essential events to slow the spread of Covid-19.
   

• Protect our patrons: A significant percentage of our audience is older and the threat of the virus to them is much greater.
   

• Protect our team members: We have a fantastic team that serves the festival each year. Many of them are concerned about large-scale public exposure. We want to do all that we can to protect them and their families.

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 What’s Next:  
We will monitor the progression of COVID-19 and will reschedule the event as soon as possible.

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 What You Can Do:  

The Projecting Hope Film Festival is an annual event that is intended to shine a light in our communities. We ask that our guests and patrons, in lieu of attending this weekend, make an intentional effort to be a light of hope to those around you.

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 Please Know:  

This decision was not made lightly. There are very real logistical and financial consequences to postponing the event. Flyers, programs and other materials have already been printed, films booked, tickets reserved, and many other challenges to navigate. 

 

 Please Pray:  

We serve a big God. Let’s seek Him and let us be a bright light during this trying time.

 

If you have reserved tickets for the festival, please be looking for additional communication soon. 

 

By His Grace,

Scott