How Our Festival Works This Year – Everything You Need To Know About Online Arpa IFF

October 16, 2020 2020, News

Everything You Need To Know About Virtual Arpa International Film Festival powered by Seed&Spark Online This Year

Arpa International Film Festival is dedicated to cultivating cultural understanding and global empathy by creating a dynamic forum for international cinema. Over the past 23 years, the festival has bridged cultural divides by fostering dialogue among people of diverse backgrounds. Join us virtually for yet another journey into the diverse universe of independent cinema with an inspiring line-up of 69 films from 20 different countries worldwide.

How Our Festival Works This Year

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic this year, unfortunately, there will be no theater experience. We made it very simple for you to watch and enjoy all our films and Q&As Online, as much as you like for an 11-day period during November 12-22, 2020. Thanks to our video streaming service provider Seed&Spark, you will be able to access our entire film lineup of 69 films (15 features and 54 shorts) from 20 different countries, 18 Q&A sessions with our award nominated filmmakers, industry workshop The Art of The Pitch and panel discussion Women In Filmmaking. Wherever you may be located, on your phone, tablet, laptop, computer or TV, alone or with your friends and family you can access our 2020 film lineup exclusively via the Seed&Spark platform.

You just need to create your Seed&Spark account first – and the easiest way to create an account is to purchase our Festival Pass or any of the individual tickets. Everything is done at one page in one click – you just need to input your payment info (or your free festival pass coupon code if you’ve been provided one), first and last name, email and desired password – and Seed&Spark will create your account.

Our Seed&Spark Festival Program page is where you can access and watch our films this year. Join us virtually for yet another journey into the diverse universe of independent cinema! Mark your calenders and get your electronic devices ready because this year, with the help of Seed&Spark, we celebrate the 23rd year of our Arpa International Film Festival which will take place online between November 12-22, 2020.

This is our Festival Program page with 69 films from 20 different countries, 18 Q&A sessions with filmmakers and one panel discussion, all separated into 3 major categories:

– FEATURES (9 feature films + 6 feature-length documentaries available as 15 individual programmes/blocks),

– SHORT BLOCKS (54 short films, docs, animations & music videos grouped in 10 individual programmes). 

– VIRTUAL EVENTS, free for everyone with a Seed&Spark account, all our 2020 Q&A sessions with filmmakers and panels are under this section.

Our Festival Passes and individual tickets sales are up and running with Gold All-Access festival passes available for $50 each (to view all 69 films), and individual film tickets at $12 each. Naturally, you will have unlimited access to all feature-length films and all short blocks for 11 days straight during November 12-22, 2020. And we would like to mention that every ticket sale, every Festival Pass purchase is helping Armenians in Artsakh now. Arpa International Film Festival has decided to donate all of its profits from the ticket sales to aid Artsakh. So please help us in supporting our festival this year by purchasing our festival passes and tickets. Profits will be matched by supporting companies to help Artsakh.

We hope you enjoy our Festival Experience this year!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I watch a film?

To watch a film, you can: purchase an individual ticket, purchase a pass, or redeem an access code if you’ve been given one by the festival. If you make your purchase during the pre-order period, you’ll need to wait until the festival starts to watch your film(s). You will be able to use your ticket or pass to watch the film(s) for the duration of the festival. Once the festival starts, select the title you want to watch from the Festival home page. If you have a pass or a ticket for the title selected, you can click “Watch” to begin viewing. Make sure you’re logged into Seed&Spark with the e-mail that you used when making your purchase!

Where can I watch the film?

You can watch the film on any Internet-connected device such as a computer, tablet, or phone (no downloads required!). You can also cast it on a TV. To watch on a TV, click play from the film page. Once the film player is open, hover your mouse over the bottom part of the frame to show icons that enable  (Chromecast) or (Airplay). As long as you have a Chromecast, Apple TV, or a Smart TV that supports either option, the icons should show up and the film should play on your TV.

How do I redeem an access or discount code?

Codes can be redeemed during checkout. Make your purchase selection and enter your code in the “Coupon code” step on the checkout page. Please note that your code may be specific to individual tickets or passes only – in that case, your code will not work if you’ve selected a different product type.

I have a free access code. Do I still need to input my credit card information?

Nope! At checkout, enter your free access code in the “Coupon code” field and click “Apply.” If the code provides free access, the credit card fields will disappear. Please note: If you opt to include a 10% donation to cover festival operational fees, you will need to input credit card information.

How can I purchase tickets for multiple films?

Tickets must be purchased individually. Your access to all of the titles you’ve purchased tickets for is tied to your Seed&Spark account (using the e-mail and password that you set during checkout), so make sure you’re logged in to watch!  Alternatively, you can purchase a festival pass for access to all titles.

What is Seed&Spark?

Seed&Spark  is the platform powering this year’s online festival. Seed&Spark’s mission is to connect people through stories that matter. Since 2012, their platform has helped thousands of creators bring stories to life and to audiences via story-centric crowdfunding, subscription streaming, community events, and workplace programs that cultivate a culture of equity and inclusion. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Seed&Spark launched an online festival platform, keeping creators, sponsors, and audiences connected while ensuring the survival of the independent creative ecosystem.

If you’re having a different issue with something not addressed here, you can chat with customer support at Seed&Spark website using the chat box in the lower right corner of your screen.