Announcement about the 2021 FIAF Congress

We must inform you that after exchanging thoughts with our colleagues at the Bangladesh Film Archive, the FIAF Executive Committee has come to the unanimous conclusion that it will not be possible to hold an in-person Congress in Dhaka next spring as initially planned. With the ongoing uncertainties of the current pandemic, the likelihood of strict travel restrictions still imposed by many countries, and health and safety concerns for Congress delegates, we felt that this decision was the only one that could be taken at this time.

Our most sincere and heartfelt thoughts are with our colleagues in Dhaka at this very sad and frustrating time. We know how important it has been for the Bangladesh Film Archive to host the 77th FIAF Congress next March, during their country’s Golden Jubilee celebrations. We also deeply regret that for the second year in a row a FIAF Congress cannot take place in person, as this very special moment in FIAF’s calendar gives colleagues from all around the world the opportunity to learn from peers, connect with friends and colleagues old and new, discuss collaborative projects, and celebrate accomplishments.

The Executive Committee has decided that the formal business of the Federation – the annual General Assembly and the Executive Committee elections – will be conducted online in the Spring of 2021, at a date to be determined as soon as possible. The Executive Committee will also – together with the Bangladesh Film Archive – continue to discuss the possibility of holding on line-versions of also the less-formal meetings of the Congress, such as the Symposium, the workshops of our three specialized Commissions, and the Second Century Forum. The decision on if, and when, these meetings will take place, will be announced after the next Executive Committee meeting on 24-25 November 2020.

The FIAF Executive Committee

20 October 2020