UNICA 2016
UNICA?
UNICA is an international organisation that uses film to promote friendship between nations.
Its members are the national organisations for non-commercial film making - such as the IAC.
There is a week-long UNICA Festival each year where the member organisations present a selection of films in friendly competition. An international jury is appointed to discuss the films in public, and then judge them and award medals.
The Festival takes place in a different country each year and is organised by a team from the host nation. In addition to the film shows and jury discussions, the hosts organise outings to local places of interest, and provide a taste of their culture.
Any film enthusiast can attend a UNICA festival. There ia always a wonderful mix of people from many countries with a common interest in film making. The official languages of UNICA are French, German and English. Official programmes, speeches, discussions are translated into all three languages. The rest of the time, the visitors communicate in whatever language works - frequently English.
There are always familiar faces from the IAC there, and lots of English speakers from other lands, so you will be able to find someone to talk to or answer your questions even if you cannot speak other languages.
UNICA 2016
It promises to be a special event. Suceava, a city of around 100,000 people dates back to the 1300s. It has a 14th century fortress, several medieval churches and some interesting museums. The organisors have planned one full day and one half day excursions, opportunities to see some of the beautiful countryside of the region, known as Bucovina. Bucovina is famous for its painted monasteries and we are sure to visit them on one of the excursions.
There will also be workshops for young delegates nominated by the member organisations.
Check out the British programme here.
How can I take part?
Everything you need to know is on the Festival website provided by the Romanian team. (Click on the Union Jack image top right if it does not display in English.)
You need to
1) Book your flights
Until recently there were two options: fly to Suceava via Bucharest or fly direct to Iasi airport which is about 170km away from Suceava. As you will see on the Festival website there are not many scheduled flights into Suceava from Bucharest, but the organisors have persuaded TAROM to put on an extra flight from Bucharest to Suceava on Fri 26th Aug and a return flight to Bucharest on Sat 27th Aug. Wizz Air has just announced direct flights from Luton airport to and from Suceava beginning in August. There are direct flights to Iasi from many places in Europe. If you travel to Suceava airport, there will be free transport into the city. Alternatively, the organisors can arrange a bus transfer from Iasi at a cost of 25 euros.
2) Book your hotel
The Festival website lists a range of hotels with information on prices, distance from the Festival venue and how to book. Prices include breakfast. Mention the UNICA Festival when you book.
3) Register with the organisors
Follow the menu item 'Registration' on the Festival website to download the registration form. The 'Congress Map' referred to is actually a ticket to attend the events that have a cost attached. These events are listed on the form so that you can pick and choose but these are the social side of UNICA and are always worthwhile if you can possibly afford them all. The combined ticket for all events costs 200 Euros, rising to 220 Euros after 1st July. (This 'early bird' price is to encourage early registration.) Be sure to send your completed form to the email addresses listed and let them know how and when you will arrive and depart.
Questions?
Send an email to me, the IAC webmaster, at Webmaster and I will do my best to help.
I hope to see you there.
Jan Watterson
Read more about UNICA here.
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