UNICA 2021
Posted: Tue Apr 07, 2020 6:47 pm
This is an open letter I have sent to IAC Council. I hope it is self-explanatory.
Tomorrow is ours to win or lose
“All our charitable objectives focus on promoting cinematography and the public’s appreciation of such arts.”
(IAC Memorandum of Association)
2020 is blighted by pandemic. Every country suffers huge social stress, economic meltdown and personal tragedies. Think ahead to 2021. After the virus rampage, we must pick up the pieces and pay the cost.
As far back as 2012 IAC planned to hold a UNICA in Britain for the first time since 1951. All was in place for this year, then COVID-19 killed it. Yes, those plans could be pushed forward to 2021. But, without consulting anyone else, the IAC Council decided no. In the climate of anxiety, did despair discourage Council from looking to a positive future?
In 1937 Britain was among UNICA’s founders. They were optimists. The organisation was a small step towards peace bringing film enthusiasts from different countries together. Now two years without a UNICA festival may bring about its dissolution.
Money
It costs thousands to host a UNICA. Previously some countries could rely on government and business help to hold such an event. Not next year. Emergency national spending now will lead to austerity in 2021. Businesses of all sizes are struggling. So far as I know, the IAC is the only UNICA member that has a large capital reserve. Britain is probably the only country financially able to host a UNICA next year.
We are in a unique position to help the worldwide movement. The plans for 2020 can be moved to 2021 easily and with remarkably little additional cost. The original amount allocated in 2013 was £30,000. Prices have risen. I have not seen formal budgets for UNICA 2020, but have heard talk of £45,000 or £50,000. A new year allows room to curtail plans and reduce costs … but even if it were the highest sum, that is only 25% of IAC’s reserves. IAC has almost £200,000 in unallocated funds. That would leave £150,000. How big a cushion does the Institute need?
People
Perhaps the problem is people. When IAC started planning, they put a restriction on “outside involvement” in the process. Maybe that was short-sighted. It left the work to a handful of Council members. They did a lot – and I will always be grateful to them. COVID-19 destroyed their efforts this year. Opening the organising committee to other enthusiasts would allow fresh blood to share in the effort.
A British UNICA in 2021 is possible.
We have the money. We can get the people. So, I beg IAC Council to
• reconsider its decision,
• provide its funding and
• make it possible to celebrate UNICA 2021 in Birmingham.
Dave Watterson, FACI – President of UNICA
Tomorrow is ours to win or lose
“All our charitable objectives focus on promoting cinematography and the public’s appreciation of such arts.”
(IAC Memorandum of Association)
2020 is blighted by pandemic. Every country suffers huge social stress, economic meltdown and personal tragedies. Think ahead to 2021. After the virus rampage, we must pick up the pieces and pay the cost.
As far back as 2012 IAC planned to hold a UNICA in Britain for the first time since 1951. All was in place for this year, then COVID-19 killed it. Yes, those plans could be pushed forward to 2021. But, without consulting anyone else, the IAC Council decided no. In the climate of anxiety, did despair discourage Council from looking to a positive future?
In 1937 Britain was among UNICA’s founders. They were optimists. The organisation was a small step towards peace bringing film enthusiasts from different countries together. Now two years without a UNICA festival may bring about its dissolution.
Money
It costs thousands to host a UNICA. Previously some countries could rely on government and business help to hold such an event. Not next year. Emergency national spending now will lead to austerity in 2021. Businesses of all sizes are struggling. So far as I know, the IAC is the only UNICA member that has a large capital reserve. Britain is probably the only country financially able to host a UNICA next year.
We are in a unique position to help the worldwide movement. The plans for 2020 can be moved to 2021 easily and with remarkably little additional cost. The original amount allocated in 2013 was £30,000. Prices have risen. I have not seen formal budgets for UNICA 2020, but have heard talk of £45,000 or £50,000. A new year allows room to curtail plans and reduce costs … but even if it were the highest sum, that is only 25% of IAC’s reserves. IAC has almost £200,000 in unallocated funds. That would leave £150,000. How big a cushion does the Institute need?
People
Perhaps the problem is people. When IAC started planning, they put a restriction on “outside involvement” in the process. Maybe that was short-sighted. It left the work to a handful of Council members. They did a lot – and I will always be grateful to them. COVID-19 destroyed their efforts this year. Opening the organising committee to other enthusiasts would allow fresh blood to share in the effort.
A British UNICA in 2021 is possible.
We have the money. We can get the people. So, I beg IAC Council to
• reconsider its decision,
• provide its funding and
• make it possible to celebrate UNICA 2021 in Birmingham.
Dave Watterson, FACI – President of UNICA