Festival Covid Protocol

Q: What are the festival’s plans in 2022 in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic?

A. Freep Film Festival will be taking a house-rules approach in 2022. That means we’ll be following the already-established protocols of our various venues. That also means our rules will vary from venue to venue. Each of our partners is taking a slightly different tack.

We’ll be asking our guests to pay careful attention to the rules we’re sharing via tickets, emails, the festival website and social media. We’re going to do our best to overcommunicate  the various sets of protocols. But we’ll need our attendees’ help to make this work.

This is our plan as of late March, at the time the lineup was announced and tickets were put on sale. It’s possible the circumstances of the pandemic will change, and we’ll need to adjust our house-rules approach. We’ll be paying close attention to news developments, and advice from heath experts and governing bodies.

Because our venues have instituted a variety of protocols, we think patrons with a variety of comfort levels should be able to find something that works for them. And for those who are not ready or able to attend events in person, most of the festival’s lineup will be available for at-home streaming.

Below are the detailed rules for each of our venue partners.

Birmingham 8 Powered by Emagine

Emagine is not currently requiring proof of vaccination or wearing of masks. Check back for updated info here.

Cinema Detroit

Cinema Detroit is requiring proof of vaccination and masks for entry until further notice. Proof of vaccination consists of a vaccination card and a photo ID. A photo of the vaccination card is acceptable. Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth at all times except when eating or drinking.

Check back for updated info here.

Detroit Film Theatre at the DIA

To attend screenings and events at the Detroit Film Theatre, visitors will be required to show at the door a current photo ID and proof of full vaccination in one of the following forms:

• original vaccination card or photocopy
• clear image of vaccination card stored on a phone or electronic device
• documentation of vaccination from a healthcare provider or the MDHHS Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR)

If you have a disability or sincerely held religious belief that prevents you from being vaccinated, you must present a negative COVID test result for entry. The test result must be from either a PCR test taken within 7 days of entry or from an antigen (“rapid”) test taken within 6 hours of entry. Test results can be presented in either paper or electronic form. The test must have been administered by a testing center such as a lab, pharmacy, urgent care or the like. Home testing kit results will not be accepted for entry.

All theater visitors, staff, and volunteers will be required to wear a mask once inside the lobby and throughout the program in the theater. Masks will be provided when needed.

Children under 5 who cannot yet be vaccinated may attend screenings accompanied by a fully vaccinated adult and must wear a mask.

No food or beverages will be allowed in the theater except for bottled water.

Detroit Film Theatre prevention measures:

Theater capacity will be limited to 30% to increase audience distancing.

Hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the theater.

The DFT HVAC system is now equipped with MERV-13 filters to reduce airborne viruses and other airborne pathogens.

DFT staff and volunteers have been trained to adhere to enhanced cleaning and COVID-19 prevention protocols in the theater, restrooms, front lobby and common areas.

All COVID prevention policies are subject to change; visit dia.org or phone 313-833-3237 for the latest details and updates on all DFT programs and Covid-19 prevention policies prior to attending events.

Check back for updated info here. Make sure to click on the + in the section “Attending programs at the Detroit Film Theatre.”

Frame

Frame follows state guidelines for restaurants in relation to the pandemic. Vaccination proof or masks will not be required.

Michigan Science Center

Masks are highly recommended while inside the Michigan Science Center. Masks are available at the box office if you need a replacement during your visit. Vaccination cards are not required for admission.

Physical distancing is not required, though Michigan Science Center requests you remain mindful of those around you.

Check back for updated info here.

Redford Theatre

Capacity shall be limited to 800 persons.

Masks are not required, but are strongly encouraged. Proof of vaccination status is not required.

Check back for updated info here.