1 – Organisers
The 42nd Forum will take place from February 9 – 19, 2012, within the framework of the 62nd 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).
2 – Objectives
New trends in world cinema, fresh narrative forms and new voices receive special attention in the Forum. Whether they be avant-garde, experimental, essayistic, long-term observations or political works – films that go beyond the mainstream and forge unconventional filmic approaches are welcome here. The Forum highlights directorial debuts and innovative works by younger filmmakers. 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 co-operation with the rights holders, to arrange distribution for films screened at the festival.
3 – Eligibility
World premieres are given priority.
German films have to be world premieres
Eligible for Forum are films of at least 60 minutes in length
Accepted formats: 35mm, Digibeta, HDCAM, DCP (upon request)
Date of completion: Within the 12 months prior to the festival
For all (except German) productions, the Forum accepts:
- Participation in a non-European festival
- Theatrical release/public screening outside Europe
- Only in the country of origin: Broadcast, VOD
Furthermore, for European productions in their country of origin the Forum accepts:
- Participation in a national festival/focus
- Theatrical release/public screening
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.
4 – Selection and programming
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.
5 – Subtitling
Films selected for the Forum are shown in their original version preferably with German subtitles. It is recommended that a second print with English 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.
6 – Awards
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.
7 – Shipping
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 • 269 55 • 200
Fax + 49 • 30 • 269 55 • 222
www.arsenal-berlin.de/forum
For any further questions please consult the General Regulations of the Berlin International Film Festival.
