New Canaan Library is proud to announce a new partnership with the Greenwich International Film Festival to bring their award-winning films and celebrity interviews via direct streaming to our homes and devices from May 1 – 3rd.

The first ever Virtual Festival will present its selection of narrated features, groundbreaking documentaries and Connecticut shorts from May 1 – 3, exclusively to Virtual Passholders. Passholders can choose from a wide range of exciting films and interviews, watch anytime during that period, and share the experience with family. As an added benefit, GIFF will donate back to New Canaan Library 20% of the price of tickets sold through the Library’s special partner link, https://newcanaanlibrary.org/giff/. Using this dedicated link provides much needed support for the Library’s operations during this challenging time.

“Just when we may all be looking for a fresh new series to binge, along comes this incredible chance to team up with the Cannes of the East Coast – the Greenwich International Film Festival. It’s a dream come true for people sheltering at home with their loved ones who are looking for exciting new ways to learn, be entertained and connect”, noted Ellen Crovatto, Director of Development at the Library.

A Virtual Pass is $175; seniors, students and certain other groups, such as health care workers and first responders, may purchase a pass for $100. Passholders will enjoy any-time access to award winning, original content for three days of unlimited viewing. Passholders will also have a chance to vote for the JP Morgan Chase Audience Award.

Learn more about the films and buy your pass through the exclusive ticket purchase link — https://newcanaanlibrary.org/giff/ — to ensure that the purchase benefits New Canaan Library.

The Festival has rich offerings for both adults and families and will showcase 29 domestic screenings as well as intriguing interviews. This year, the Festival will spotlight New Canaan native, Matthew Heineman, an Emmy-award winning filmmaker. The Sundance Film Festival called Heineman “one of the most talented and exciting documentary filmmakers working today.”

“The mission of GIFF is to provide filmmakers with a platform to showcase their work with the goal of finding financing opportunities for future projects. Additionally, GIFF harnesses the power of film to serve the greater good by highlighting and supporting issues related to basic human rights, education, the environment and health care,” according to Ginger Stickel, CEO of GIFF. “We are very excited to welcome New Canaan Library as a new community partner as part of our overall efforts to support the non-profit community”.

The special New Canaan Library link can be easily shared with friends and family around the country to purchase tickets. A Virtual Pass provides a wonderful weekend of movie watching; content that will not be seen anywhere else.

For more information and to express interest in becoming part of a post- film community video discussion, please email Brooke Moore at bmoore@newcanaanlibrary.org