Forum Regulations

The 43rd Forum will take place from February 7– 17, 2013, within the framework of the 63rd Berlin International Film Festival. It is organised independently by the Arsenal – Institut für Film und Videokunst e.V. (Arsenal – Institute for Film and Video Art).

New trends in world cinema, fresh narrative forms and new voices receive special attention in the Forum. Whether they be avant-garde, experimental, essayistic, or films that go beyond the mainstream and forge unconventional filmic approaches are welcome here. The Forum highlights directorial debuts and innovative works by younger film makers. The Forum presents documentary and feature films on an equal footing and in particular highlights the border areas and interstices between the various genres.

The Forum’s policy of mounting public discussions with filmmakers following all screenings, as well as providing comprehensive information about the films allows the section to create an appropriate context for the reception of each film. The Forum values the importance of creating an event capable of providing an impetus even after the Festival has ended. The Arsenal strives therefore, in cooperation with the rights holders, to arrange distribution for films screened at the Festival.

World premieres are given priority.
German films have to be world premieres

Eligible films for Forum are feature films and documentaries of at least 60 minutes running time which

• have been completed within the 12 months prior to the beginning of the Festival.
• have not been released in Europe other than in their country of origin.
• have not been screened at any other German or European film festival. A presentation at national festivals / national showcases in the country of origin will be accepted.
• have neither been broadcast nor presented in the internet / VOD other than in their country of origin
• are available in the formats on 35mm, HDCAM, QuickTime ProRes 422 LT or DCP (other formats only upon request)

Television productions are only eligible if they are intended for a theatrical release.

German films must not have been screened publicly before the Festival.

The Festival Director has the right to settle any cases not covered by the regulations.

All films have to be registered online at online film entry. The entry fee is € 125 and payment can be effected by credit card only (Visa, American Express, Mastercard) during the online submission process.

The director of the Forum selects films in consensus with the selection committee. By special invitation, a number of films will be presented in connection with the chosen national focus of the Forum.

Films selected for the Forum are shown in their original version with English subtitles. It is recommended that a second print with German subtitles be made available to the Festival.

The cost of subtitling is the responsibility of the filmmaker. In special cases, the Forum may grant financial support to cover the cost of subtitling into German and for a striking a print.

The Forum is non-competitive and does not award prizes of its own. Each film selected receives a Certificate of Participation.

Awards made by independent organisations are to be found in the General Regulations.

Selection material intended for the Forum should be sent to the address of the Berlin International Film Festival or directly to the Forum address:

Forum
Potsdamer Straße 2
10785 Berlin
Deutschland
Tel. + 49 30 26955-200
Fax + 49 30 26955-222

www.arsenal-berlin.de/forum

If you apply for several sections and your submission format is DVD / Blu-ray, you are kindly requested to possibly send two screeners to our attention.

For any further questions please consult the General Regulations of the Berlin International Film Festival.