WFCN

  The film festival world is changing, and one of the most powerful shifts in recent years has been the rise of hybrid film festivals, events that combine physical screenings with virtual participation. What started as a necessity during the pandemic has now become a permanent feature of the global film festival landscape, and it’s reshaping how filmmakers , film audiences, and film industry professionals connect. In 2025 and moving into 2026, more festivals are adopting hybrid models not just to survive but to expand their reach and impact. For audiences, this means being able to attend a festival in New York, Toronto, or Berlin right from their living room. For filmmakers, it means wider visibility for their work, as films screened online can reach international viewers who might never step into a theatre at the festival venue. But hybrid film festivals are more than just film streaming platforms . Many now offer interactive online Q&As, networking sessions, and virtua...