Free zone film festival is created out of belief that a good film experience can last much longer than its screening time and that it can provide access to alternative depiction of reality. This festival showcases films that are eye-opening and often leave their viewers with the feeling of freedom and responsibility that comes with being an active citizen. In these cases the art of film can actually make a difference.
Free Zone is not only an increasingly popular annual film festival, but also a part of a broader initiative that runs throughout the year.
Next festival edition: 07 - 13 November 2013
A special category has been introduced, a category for young, talented authors and their works in the selection of the movies with the budgets of $10,000 and up to $10,000. Attention to young talents includes the presence of top lecturers from film area, organized seminars and constructive dialogues. The programme concept of the festival covers film and academic programme, which take place at more than 20 locations in Novi Sad, including indoor and outdoor cinemas.
Film programme presents film selections of domestic and foreign production, along with competitive selections and numerous retrospectives. Over 150 films, more than a hundred premieres are shown at indoor and outdoor locations. The festival presents awards for domestic, international and low-budget films.
Academic programme - Cinema Now Live Academy - includes more than 30 panels, with participants from more than 10 countries. Within this programme, film artists, theoreticians, critics, and representatives of film industry discuss many significant subjects related to film art and film industry.
Next festival edition: 26 August - 01 September 2013
The BIFC – which was originally set up in 2006 by ECF and partner organisations – will be re-named the “Balkans Art and Culture Fund”. With financial support from ECF, the new fund will continue to support cultural initiatives and organisations in the Balkan region and those wanting to work with partners in the Balkan region.
After consultation with our funding partner Open Society Foundations, ECF decided that the BIFC fund would be better managed in the region and after a careful process of selection by open call has connected with ArtAngle. See the film explaining the move.
Developed in conjunction with the Swiss Cultural Programme, based in Sarajevo, Belgrade and Skopje, ArtAngle is well positioned in the region and has a broad coverage and knowledge of the cultural sector. Their ambition is to offer organisations in the region a broader opportunity to access seed money – using ECF’s funding as leverage to attract further interest and commitment and to create further possibilities for cultural influence in the Balkan region.
To celebrate the launch of the Balkans Art and Culture Fund, Katherine Watson attended the Swiss Cultural Programme “Cultural Encounters – Collaboration, Achievements and Perspectives” in Sarajevo on the 12 April at 14.30, where there was be an introduction to the fund, also with ECF Grants Manager, Maite Garcia Lechner.