MIDDLEBURY — Arts and entertainment venues have been closed nationwide due to coronavirus-related shutdowns, and just this week word came that Festival on-the-Green has been canceled for this July. 
Organizers of one Middlebury arts institution are still planning on hosting their multi-day event late this summer.
The 6th Annual Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, slated for Aug. 27-30, as of now, is still on the calendar. 
“Seeing the many film festivals that have postponed their events into the fall or beyond because of the spread of COVID-19, we are carefully evaluating what our next steps should be,” MNFF Producer Lloyd Komesar said in a recent email. “The unpredictability of what we’ll be facing come August is daunting, to say the least.”
But, Komesar noted, the festival’s spot on the calendar late in the summer offers some legitimate hope that he and his crew can deliver another memorable event. By late August, most observers hope and expect the country to have climbed down from the peaks of the pandemic
“Realistically, the scale of the Festival might be different than what we all are used to,” Komesar said. “Nonetheless, having received dozens of outstanding films thus far, and knowing there are many other superb films that we can curate to round out our program, we believe that MNFF6 could be quite special both as a film festival and, just as importantly, as a true community event.
“So, as of now, we are NOT going to announce a postponement or a cancellation.”
Komesar acknowledged that neither can he say with unshakeable certainty that MNFF6 is a firm go. Organizers remain optimistic but there are too many factors still in play to plan with certainty. 
“All we can do is watch and wait and continue to assess what our path forward would look like,” Komesar said. “Please hang in there with us and we will keep you updated on our thinking in the weeks ahead.”
He offered one last thought: Many non-profit organizations are financially strapped at this difficult moment and MNFF too has some real concerns as we look ahead, Komesar said. 
“Knowing that many people are likely being besieged by requests for donations, we can only ask that you consider us as part of your mix of generous support. You’ll find an opportunity to help at middfilmfest.org/donate.
“We urge all of you to take the absolutely very best care of your wonderful selves and stay healthy and safe.”