True/False Film Fest releases health protocols for 2022 edition
The True/False Film Fest announced a series of health protocols Tuesday that apply to its 2022 edition, scheduled for March 3-6.
Guidelines related to masking, proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and other safety steps were detailed in a news release issued by the fest.
One of Columbia's cultural crown jewels, the festival screens nonfiction films ranging from crowd-pleasing Academy Award contenders to more avant-garde fare and innovative short films. Pre-film buskers, music showcases, art installations, storytelling events and parties round out the festival, which typically takes place in venues downtown and on the University of Missouri campus.
In 2020, True/False snuck in under the wire as Columbia's last major cultural event to take place indoors and in-person before lockdowns began. Last year, the festival moved back and outdoors, occurring in May at Stephens Lake Park.
More: These 5 entertainment stories changed Columbia in 2021
Here is an overview of Tuesday's announcement:
Proof of vaccination or a negative test
True/False will require staff, volunteers, attendees and visiting artists to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test taken 72 hours or less before attending.
Attendees must be "up to date with your COVID vaccination," according to the release. True/False's definition of that phrase follows CDC guidelines, "which includes any booster shots for eligible individuals."
The third-party app Fan Check-In will be used to verify these requirements.
Masking
Masks will be required of anyone attending or working at the festival, no matter their vaccination status. The festival will provide KN95 masks to anyone who needs them, according to the release.
Special festival events that serve food and drink will feature "a designated outdoor, masks-optional area where these items will be served and consumed," the release noted. Accordingly, these events will feature spaces where masks are required and food and beverage are not available.
No screening venues will serve food and drinks, except The Showtime Theater housed at The Blue Note, which will allow drinks in the downstairs portion of the venue.
This year's attendance for screenings and other events has also been limited, the release noted.
Fests continue to adjust
True/False announced these protocols against a broader local and national context, as festivals of all sorts adjust within the fluctuating pandemic. Last fall, the Roots N Blues festival returned after postponing its 2020 edition. The three-day music festival, held outdoors at Stephens Lake Park, required proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative test.
More: How Roots N Blues roared back to life with special musical moments
The Sundance Film Festival, one of the most prominent players on the cinema scene, begins Thursday; Sundance adjusted its plans in light of the omicron variant, moving from a hybrid model with in-person events at its Park City, Utah, base to a fully virtual fest.
"As a nonprofit, our Sundance spirit is in making something work against the odds," organizers said in a news release. "But, with case numbers forecasted to peak in our host community the week of the festival we cannot knowingly put our staff and community at risk."
Patrons can learn more about this year's True/False, and find the full health policy, at https://truefalse.org/.
Aarik Danielsen is the features and culture editor for the Tribune. Contact him at adanielsen@columbiatribune.com or by calling 573-815-1731.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: True/False releases health protocols for 2022 festival
