Theatres vs Streaming: The AIFF Experience

A packed theatre at AIFF

By Rachelle Goulter, Operations Coordinator

The Atlantic International Film Festival is one week out from holding its Program Launch and I find myself excited at the prospect of what films will be in the 2024 lineup.

I approach all festivals I attend with an avid eagerness matched only by what to order from a restaurant menu on a celebratory night out (food and film - two great loves!). Once programs are released, I can while away the hours planning, comparing, scheduling and booking in shows to maximize my time.

It goes without saying that a festival is an event, and annual ones like AIFF get marked off in my planner each year in anticipation, just like my vacations. I count down the days until the festival begins, and what follows is usually a blur of screenings, conversations, events and festivities that by the end have me asking myself “Did that actually happen or did I dream it?”

I was recently asked what the attraction of a film festival holds when access to content via streaming services exists (especially from the luxury of your living room sofa)? It was pointed out that attending in person often involves extra costs (like parking or snacks), than staying at home and subscribing to several streaming services.

Taking the time to consider these very valid points, I could only conclude the following; at home streaming simply doesn’t stack up against the benefits of attending a festival.

Streaming from home and ordering in is absolutely attractive, and I often choose to do this regularly. And that’s the point. It has become so commonplace to stay in and stream from a behemoth service of seemingly endless options that the time many of us invest in the films we watch from our living room isn’t valued in the same way. After all, if these options are at our fingertips, there’s no urgency.

At home many of us fall into the stagnant habits of browsing content ad nauseam, feeling overwhelmed and uninspired by our lists, and then wind up watching content from Top 10 recommendations simply because it’s popular (not necessarily because we have been eagerly anticipating consuming the content!).

In comparison, a film festival is masterfully curated by industry professionals that bring local and international films to our doorstep. Because this content may not have several millions of marketing driving its worldwide exposure and release, it is unique, it is powerful and without a film festival as it’s platform, it can be overshadowed by other projects created for mass consumerism.

In my mind, content brought to you by a film festival is like being shown a tray of assorted valuable gems. Urgency exists in witnessing their brilliance before they are ushered away.

A film festival allows an uninterrupted experience, shared by others in a darkened auditorium. As an audience we take the same narrative journey, collectively appreciating what is brought to life before our eyes with no competition for our attention by our phones, work, family, pets or targeted ads!

There is no jarring ‘Are you still watching this?’ pop up message mid film, and no rushed and pushy suggestion to watch something else mere seconds into the credits rolling. Quite the reverse, we can witness the monumental effort that goes into a film as those names scroll across the screen.

Queen of My Dreams Cast and Crew

Unique to a festival screening is the added benefit of an industry talk back at the film’s end. Languishing in your seat and having direct contact, the ability to ask questions of a panel of representatives for the film you just enjoyed - it’s marvelous.

Upon exiting there is that familiar joy as you navigate the darkened auditorium with your belongings and ask others their thoughts in hushed tones, stretching as you emerge into the bright hallway outside.

It’s rushing to grab a bite to eat from your favourite fast food chain in between screenings, or sitting down with loved ones for a relaxed meal prior to attending.

A festival offers community and connection. From chatting with the festival volunteers or discussing recommendations with fellow filmgoers. It’s mingling with like-minded individuals, industry and avid film lovers at festival events and galas. It’s taking a chance on an industry panel and expanding your knowledge on how filmmaking operates, or the obstacles the arts industry face and how we can collectively work for a solution.

As someone who adores creative experiences and memories that are intangible, fleeting and never to be repeated exactly in that form again, I genuinely believe the joy of all that a film festival like AIFF provides just can’t be matched by streaming services. We are, after all, a communal species and storytelling is at the core of what we as human beings have in common.

If you’re like me, you’ll be counting down to the 2024 Atlantic International Film Festival where this September you too can be transported from a darkened auditorium into a shared experience with your fellow film lovers. But first, the Wednesday, August 14th Program Launch! After all, some of us need time to pour over the program guide before embarking on all that this festival is set to offer!