UNICA is the umbrella organisation for
national, non-commercial film-making federations. For one week
each year it arranges a festival where the nations compete.
Each member country can present a programme of up to an hour's
length. An international jury discusses the films and awards
prizes, including the coveted "Most Interesting National
Programme" one.
But the real importance of the event is that
delegates from member nations meet and socialise; discuss the
films and common problems; and make good friends. Through a
shared interest in our kind of film making UNICA contributes to
better understanding between nations.
A week-long festival could be hard going, but the timetable
allows time for relaxation, includes excursions, various
meetings, banquets and entertainments. It is held in a different
country each year, offering a chance to visit new places.
Anyone can come to UNICA. You do not have to be a film maker or
an official.
The next UNICA will
be held in Dortmund in Germany on 5th to 12th
August 2017.
It will be a double celebration. BDFA, the
German equivalent of the IAC, will be 90 years old.
The venue,
Zeche Zollern, is a former colliery - now a huge industrial museum with space
for a cinema, restaurant and places to talk.
UNICA
delegates come from many of the thirty member countries. If you are
interested in joining us, there are sure to be people you know
in the British group and you will quickly make new friends from other
countries.
Email Dave Watterson
(asstweb@theiac.org.uk) or
Jan watterson (webmaster@theiac.org.uk)
and we will keep you up to date with plans, travel
suggestions and so on.