Omicron: What’s Berlin and Sundance’s Next Move?

Another day, another variant.

I tried to contact early 2021 film festivals to see if there are any changes planned with the emergence of the Omicron variant around the world.

A spokesperson for the Berlin Film Festival is telling me that they are monitoring the situation and will make changes according to the restrictions that will be put in place in Germany by the time the Berlinale rolls around in February.

This just all feels like déjà-vu. At least Sundance has the digital component this year, screening every title in its program online. That will surely help the Park City festival go on as planned, but the in-person screenings could be in jeopardy. I’m guessing it will come down to whether or not this new variant defies vaccinations or not, the CDC/WHO say they will have answers to this question in the coming weeks.

The Omicron variant was actually supposed to be called “Xi,” but the WHO decided to skip that Greek letter for obvious reasons. Should World of Reel abide by the WHO definition? I’m only half-kidding.

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