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UNICA 2002 - Organisation


2002: Introduction | Movies  | Outings | People | Jury Comments UK films | UK Success |

Can you imagine the work involved in running an eight day international festival for between 200 and 400 people? The people tackling it for 2003 were headed by an organising committee:

The organising committee.

from left: Jean-Claude Metz, Robert Grossklos, Roger Hansen (Honorary President of the FGDCA), Georges Marques, Louis Schmitz (UNICA Congress Organisation Secretary), Marco Klein (FGDCA and UNICA Congress Organisation Treasurer), Georges Fondeur (FGDCA and UNICA Congress Organisation President), Nico Sauber (Vice-President of FGDCA), Christiane Ensch, Jeannot Stirn, Emile Lorenzini, Claude Charnaut.

These were only the organisers ... scores of others acted as guides, translators, bar staff, canteen staff, stewards, drivers, cashiers, security advisers ... many from clubs and groups which are usually in fierce competition with each other.  Indeed the UNICA spirit of unity may have helped cool some rivalries and feuds between groups.

Everyone was friendly, helpful and willing.  Efficiency varied from time to time but as the week got under way everyone settled into a smooth routine.

The Setting
A jury discussion in the main hall. The main venue was the new music conservatory, one of several institutes of learning on a site at the edge of Luxembourg city. A beautiful modern building, the main theatre was huge and comfortable.  Below it were spaces for meeting, displays, coffee bar, dealer stands, information desk etc. To one side was a cafeteria with access to the grass and shrubbed area around.

Coaches shuttled between hotels and venues.

The cost of running the event is enormous.  Delegates pay for their own accommodation and meals.  The congress card they are encouraged to buy pays for the formal dinners and outings.  Screenings are free and open to the public. This means a huge sum has to be found to rent halls, equipment, pay for administration and so on. This the committee tackled valiantly. Generous sponsors helped a lot.

If there were any serious problems we did not spot them. Indeed it was good to see the team relaxing as the week went on, though they must have been exhausted by the time it all ended.

Happy Birthday

The festival helped mark the 50th anniversary of the Luxembourg Federation.  We all shared a huge birthday cake at the first dinner and drank a toast.  Awards were made to people whose contribution to the federation over the years had been particularly outstanding. In the opening speeches from a government minister and the city mayor tribute was paid to the federation.

They should regard this happy festival as a jewel in their crown.  As delegates we thank them for all they did to make us welcome and we wish them well.

- Dave Watterson    Sep 2003


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Page updated on 16 January 2011
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