The Telluride Film Festival announced yesterday that it is requiring that all attendees at indoor theaters at the 2021 festival show proof of a COVID vaccination. Festival passholders are being asked to upload their vaccination cards in advance. There’s no word yet on whether the festival will accept medical exceptions and/or proof of a negative COVID test in place of a vaccination card.

“To ensure a safe, as well as relaxed, few days in the mountains, we are asking all attendees who intend to join us this year to be vaccinated against Covid-19, as an act of kindness and community support, and to assist us in creating a secure environment for reconvening the Telluride experience,” the festival stated in an e-mail to passholders. “Please take a moment to upload your vaccination card. … Receipt of this information will be required for admittance to festival theaters and other indoor venues, including any shuttle services. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to a healthy re-opening of arts and culture experiences worldwide. For any friends you may know who are intending to join us without passes, we appreciate you sharing this information. Individual indoor venues will have a vaccination card check point at each box office, for those wishing to buy individual tickets or enter a free screening.”

The festival, held at various venues in Telluride, Colorado, is considered one of the big three September festivals, along with Toronto and Venice. This year’s dates are September 2-6. Click here for my 2019 coverage.

In contrast to Telluride, the Cannes Film Festival, which begins July 6, is encouraging festival-goers to get vaccinated but not requiring it. Instead, it is allowing them to show proof of vaccination, a recent positive antibody test result or ongoing negative COVID test results while at the event. Still, Cannes’ procedures are not without their complications, as Variety reports.

UPDATE: On August 11, the festival announced that in addition to all attendees being required to show proof of vaccination, they must show a negative COVID test within 72 hours of picking up their festival pass, must carry their vaccination card with them at all times and must wear masks at all screenings.