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The Film & Video Institute

UNICA 2002
in Luxembourg

UNICA Festivals: 1999 | 2000 | 2001 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |

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There is nothing quite like a UNICA Festival
Report on Festival 2002 | Visit the UNICA 2002 website

Movies Galore

still from 'Timeline'.still from 'Final Report'.At its heart are the movies, about an hour from each member country, with a huge variety of styles, interests, customs and sophistication.  A country's choice may be a single long film or, more often, a group of shorter ones.  There is also The World Minute Movie Cup. A surprising number of movies are in English, others are subtitled .  The few with no English content have an explanation in the programme leaflets.

It's not solid viewing - far from it!  Each film is followed by a pause.  After a couple of programmes the jury discusses the movies with the audience. There are frequent breaks for tea/coffee, meals and chat.  The atmosphere is relaxed.  See as much or as little as you like.

Chat

Many of the moviemakers are present and happy to talk about their work.  In fact communication is the second great joy of UNICA ... at least by smiles and gestures, at best in a mix of English, French and German.  Every meal, coach-trip and coffee-break is filled with a muddled pidgin of all three tongues - and a great deal of laughter.

For us in the UK it is a relief  that most delegates have some English and many are extremely fluent.  All public discussions and speeches are translated which is a gentle way to brush-up any French or German language skills you have.

There is also the chance to discover something of the host nation with organised outings and plenty of time for informal trips of your own.

Where?

schueberfeuer - funfairThe Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, a turbulent turning point in European history, is home to a famous broadcast station and the centre of the European Union.  This small, friendly country is relaxed, welcoming and full of good-humour.  It offers beautiful places to see, good food and wine to enjoy and a national funfair. The festival itself takes place in the Conservatoire Ville de Luxembourg, in the capital city.

The Schedule (subject to change)
Friday 23rd August 14.00 Registration
17.00 Opening Ceremony
20.00 UNICA Gala Dinner
Saturday 24th August 09.00 Screening of National Programmes
Sunday 25th August 09.00 Screening of National Programmes
Monday 26th August 09.00 Screening of National Programmes
14.00 Excursion to the Moselle district (luscious wine area)
Tuesday 27th August 09.00 Screening of National Programmes
Wednesday 28th August 09.00 Screening of National Programmes
14.00 Excursion to Éisléck (beautiful scenery in the North)
Thursday 29th August 09.00 UNICA Jeunesse (young people) Workshop
09.30 UNICA General Assembly
          Leisure Programme
14.00 Friends of UNICA Meeting
16.00 World Minute Movie Cup
18.30 Excursion to the Funfair!
Friday 30th August 09.00 Screening of National Programmes
Saturday 31st August 09.00 Public Session of the Jury
14.00 Prize Giving Ceremony
20.00 Closing Banquet
Sunday 1st September 09.00 Departure of delegates.

The screenings are not so intensive as this suggests! There are plenty of breaks.

The Cost

A Congress Card which covers all events except the funfair costs 200 Euros.  If you pay after 1st June 2002 there is a 10% surcharge. The screenings are free. If  you prefer to pick and choose your events:

  • Opening dinner 65 euros
  • Excursion to Moselle 60 euros
  • Excursion to Éisléck 60 euros
  • Closing dinner 65 euros

[Currency Converter]

Accommodation
You can, of course, arrange your own hotel in the city of Luxembourg but the hosts have arranged special prices at four hotels and a camp site: Euros
picture of hotel Alvisse Parc Hotel **** (its website)
Official UNICA hotel with shuttlebus service to the festival - all rooms with en suite facilities. Most delegates will stay here.
single
double
triple

75.00
87.50
100.00

picture of hotel Parc Hotel Belair ****
Very close to the conference centre - all rooms with en suite facilities.
single
double

195.00
213.00

picture of hotel Hotel Mercure Alfa ****
Near the rail and bus stations - all rooms with en suite facilities.
single
double

120.00
125.00

picture of hotel Hotel Chez Ann et Jean
15 minutes by car from the conference centre. All double rooms.
A rooms have no en suite facilities.
A
B

45.00
50.00
-
58.00

picture of campsite Camping Kockelscheuer
15 minutes by car from the conference centre. Electricity 1.25 euros a day or 0.375 euros per kilowatt-hour. Price per person includes car.
person
caravan
tent

3.00
3.50
3.50


Page updated on 14 February 2008

Authors' views are not necessarily those of The Institute of Amateur Cinematographers

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