Winnipeg's most popular film festival is returning for 2021 adapting to the pandemic in hopes of encouraging viewers.

"It's been a very challenging year, and in some cases, it's been a very sad year, as well," the Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival's creator and director, Paul Boge, says in an online video.

In 2020, the festival's 10th year, the festival saw what Boge called "staggering" attendance numbers. The festival set a record with 5,875 attendees coming through the doors to take in a number of movies.

Large crowds in the lobby of the 2020 festival.Large crowds came out to the festival in 2020.

Given the pandemic and the many changes people have experienced over the last year, Boges says, "So you ask the question, 'Is this the right time to be having a film festival?' And I would argue that now is the best time to have cool, clean, compelling films that will encourage you and inspire you in your life."

The festival will take place completely online this year, with passes available for $10.

Organizers have secured over 50 films from around the world "that are here to encourage you," Boge says.

The online festival will run from Feb. 14 through 28.