True/False to hold 2021 film festival in Stephens Lake Park

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Ragtag Film Society, the nonprofit that organizes the annual True/False Film Festival in Columbia, will hold the bulk of its 2021 fest in Stephens Lake Park.

Organizers made the announcement in the park Wednesday morning.

Watch a recorded version of the announcement in the player below.

Traditionally, the festival is held all throughout downtown Columbia. Organizers said they made the move because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Festivalgoers will be able to socially distance and wear masks at the outdoor festival.

Ragtag organizers said four outdoor theatres will be staged around the park and a fifth drive-in screen will be built as well. Each theatre will be able to hold 200-800 people.

Concerts and art installations will also move into the park.

Festival spokesman David Wilson said he is expecting a significant drop in attendance, which has been declining in recent years.

Organizers said they are still looking for film and music submissions. Volunteer sign-up will go live in February and tickets go on sale Saturday.

Annually, True/False brings in millions of dollars for local businesses. It's unclear if downtown businesses will be hurt by the festival's move.

The organization announced earlier this year, it pushed back the 2021 festival to May because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It's typically held in early March.

The festival has been held in Columbia since 2004.