We’ve been holding on as long as possible to see if we could find a way to bring you even a scaled-down COVID-safe version of our 14th annual Guth Gafa International Documentary Festival, but alas, it is not going to happen. Having discussed the options in depth with a number of our major funders, we have decided to postpone Guth Gafa 14 to next year. The team is gutted – moving heaven and Earth each year to make Guth Gafa a uniquely Irish look at world cinema is what they do, but discretion is the better part of valour and your safety comes first.
We considered all alternatives: staggered seating; enhanced ventilation; Perspex screens, all options were explored but given the level of COVID infections currently, none of the above was the answer. We even considered going online but that’s not Guth Gafa, where we have intimate access to the directors, subjects or producers – it’s a formula that simply can’t be digitised.
We want to hold onto this spirit of Guth Gafa, and so have decided to postpone this year’s event until it’s safe to welcome you all back next year to an exciting programme of live film screenings; to a proper festival, with Q&A’s, panel discussions and master-classes.
To our treasured audience, many of whom are now old friends – thank you for your warm and ongoing support. Also, a special thanks to our funders, who have stood by us through these difficult times – without you there would be no Guth Gafa.
Until next year at Guth Gafa 14
Neasa Ní Chianáin and David Rane.