Due to the escalating crisis of the global pandemic, including the rise in cases of the Delta COVID-19 variant, Indie Memphis will be making necessary updates to this year’s film festival. In addition to these readjustments, we will also provide several different options to experience this year’s incredible program based on your personal comfort level.

The biggest update to note is that proof of vaccination will be required for all in-person events and screenings.

However, it’s important that we’re completely transparent here. We acknowledge that these adjustments and new protocols are not foolproof in terms of creating a solid solution to the ongoing pandemic. With that being said, our team is doing everything in our power to provide a safe and healthy environment as we continue to celebrate independent, art house films and filmmakers.

Regardless of whether you’ll be joining us in-person or online, we are certain you will LOVE this year’s slate of films and discussions as much as we’re thrilled to share them with you!

Here’s what you can expect based on your preferred festival experience:

“I feel comfortable attending in-person screenings/events.”

• *Proof of COVID-19 vaccine is required for all staff, volunteers, contractors, and attendees.

• Masks are required at all times indoors.

• Venues for screenings are now focused on larger theaters to better accommodate social-distanced seating. These include Crosstown Theater, Circuit Playhouse, Playhouse on the Square, and the Malco Summer Drive-In.

• The Block Party will be delayed until a year in which we can better protect the health of our attendees, partners, and staff.

• Festival parties will be limited to outdoor celebrations on Opening and Closing Night.

If you plan on joining us for in-person screenings, be prepared to:

• Allow plenty of extra time to be seated before films. This is important now more than ever.

• Consider purchasing a festival or VIP pass, which will allow you to select tickets ONE WEEK BEFORE they go on sale to the public. Due to social-distanced seating, films WILL SELL OUT. 

• **For passholders, pick up your passes ahead of time during Early Pass Pickup. This will not only allow you to save time during the festival, it will also help our staff implement our health protocols by confirming your proof of vaccination in advance.

• For single ticket holders, DO NOT FORGET YOUR VACCINATION CARD. There will be no exceptions for forgotten proof of vaccination. More information on proof of vaccination can be found below.

• Please be patient and understanding towards our volunteers, contractors, and staff. The extra steps we’re implementing are to better create a safe and healthy environment as much as possible.

What To Bring for Proof of Vaccination

Proof of identification in the form of a driver’s license or government issued photo identification must be presented with proof of vaccination status. Acceptable proof of a COVID-19 vaccination includes a CDC vaccination card, a photocopy of the card, or a photo of the card on a mobile device. Cardholders must be at least two weeks past receiving their first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine or the second dose in a two-dose series vaccine (e.g. Pfizer or Moderna).

Proof of vaccination must be presented at either early pass pickup at Playhouse on the Square (info on hours/days available here), or at the Main Box Office at the locations and times TBA. If you are a pass holder, you will receive a sticker on your pass. If you have purchased single tickets for events, you will receive a wristband. Please try to retain either your pass or wristband for the duration of the festival to ensure that you won’t have to provide proof of vaccination again.

“I feel unsure about attending in-person screenings/events.”

• That’s 100% valid, and we have not forgotten you! This year’s programming includes an abundance of virtual screenings and panels. Experience this year’s lineup with either a virtual festival pass, or single virtual tickets.

• In addition to our in-person screenings, this year’s festival also includes films at the Malco Summer Drive-In! Please note that proof of vaccination is also required for drive-in screenings.