I.F.F.S.

INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF FILM SOCIETIES

1- Historical background

The International Federation of Film Societies was founded during the first film festival at Cannes 60 years ago and set up its main office in Paris. The I.F.F.S. has been working for many years for an international exchange of films between film societies. With little money but with a lot of enthusiasm the organisation has survived ups and downs and through the years it has served as an important meeting point for film society people from all over the world. The I.F.F.S. actively works for the preservation, diffusion and promotion of cinematography in Europe and abroad, managing to facilitate the access to cinema culture and visual arts for all peoples of the world.

I.F.F.S. role has been, and continues to be, essential for the overspreading, analysis and comprehension of audio-visual language, encouraging the promotion of Europe’s cinematographic and audiovisual heritage and the improvement of the public’s access to it at both European and international level. I.F.F.S greatly contributes to the strengthening of mutual knowledge, thanks to the meeting of different cinema cultures and experiences in Europe, South America and Asia. Famous film directors like Francois Truffaut and Theo Angelopoulos have served as presidents of the organisation. Today’s “Cultural” president of the F.I.C.C. is Italian director Gianni Amelio.

2- Missions

The mission of the association is to organize film societies worldwide and develop close co-operation between its members, to maintain the presentation, distribution and study of films and visual/performing arts products in the sense of culture, art and social development.

3- Objectives

I.F.F.S mainly aims at:

  • encouraging the alternative distribution of quality film across the borders;
  • making Film Societies acknowledged as an important cultural factor;
  • encouraging the cultural dialogue between Europe, Latin America and Asia;
  • supporting common actions between national film and visual/performing arts promotion organisations;
  • promoting and experienced fruition and appreciation of movies and audiovisual product through actions aimed at training the public and educating children and young people on cinema techniques and narration.

4- Type of activities

  • organization of Film Festivals (the International Festival of Film Societies and national Festivals of Film Societies in the member countries);
  • organization of cultural exhibitions and events (seminars, conferences and workshops);
  • participation in International juries at film festivals;
  • awarding of the IFFS Don Quixote Award.