Some of the biggest film festivals across the world have come together to stream movies free on YouTube after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered movie theatres.

Chicago film festival

Earlier report has it that the corona virus outbreak had hit the showbiz industry, prompting the cancellation of long-scheduled concerts and theatrical releases.

As industry moguls continue to work towards measures to cushion the economic downside of the crisis, YouTube launched a free 10-day digital film festival with 20 partners for global cinema fans.

Themed ‘We Are One: A Global Film Festival’, the event will feature content curated by the Berlin, Cannes, Venice, Sundance, Toronto, and Tribeca film festivals, among others, starting on May 29.

The festival will showcase films, documentaries, music, comedy, and conversations.

“We are proud to join in the YouTube event to spotlight truly extraordinary films and talent, allowing audiences to experience both the nuances of storytelling from around the world and the artistic personalities of each festival,” Reuters quoted organizers of the Cannes film festival as saying on Monday.

Other festivals taking part include those in Jerusalem, Mumbai, Sarajevo, Sydney, Tokyo, and London.

While the festival will stream for free, viewers will be asked to donate to the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund.