We are looking forward to 24th Ji.hlava IDFF!

Festival team’s statement on the upcoming festival edition

COVID-19 pandemic has affected the whole world. It has brought to light all that had been underestimated by both the society and us as individuals but it also highlighted the values that are worth pursuing. These, in our opinion, include respect towards works of art that transform our perception as well as the power of gathering and sharing thoughts and inspiration. We decided not to call off or postpone this year’s “pandemic” edition. On the contrary, we are working on various scenarios to adapt to the actual situation in the Czech Republic and abroad at the end of October. The Ji.hlava IDFF 2020 is scheduled to take place on October 27 – November 1.

We don’t want to see 2020 go down in the history of filmmaking as a grey zone with a list of “abandoned films” that will be erased by the pandemic or that have not been lucky enough to reach their audience. Also, we don’t support the current attitude that sparks further fear of gatherings as we primarily see these occasions as enriching experiences. We are therefore happy to be a part of the documentary filmmaking community which is searching for new ways of connecting with audiences in these difficult times.

If required due to the limited capacity, we will set up additional screening venues during the festival and repeat the screenings to allow festival visitors to watch them on the big screen. We are also looking for solutions for vulnerable groups of audiences such as senior citizens and those who are seriously ill.

We would like to thank those who have bought or are planning to buy their festival passes thus contributing to one of the selected projects. We are also very much looking forward to watching the submitted films. We are grateful to the filmmakers for relentlessly exploring the world we are living in. It is thanks to them that we will again have the chance to be astonished by powerful and breath-taking images and sparkling thoughts. This year’s Inspiration Forum and other programme of the Ji.hlava IDFF will be as intense.

Thank you for your trust and we are looking forward to our shared experience at the 24th Ji.hlava IDFF!