Report: International Symposium on the Position of Film Institutions
This report presents the outcomes of a symposium on the responsibility of film and cultural institutions—which took place from 26 to 28 August 2024 at IDFA’s building, Het Documentaire Paviljoen, in Amsterdam.
The symposium was organized to create a space for dialogue, reflection, and critical inquiry. It was initiated by IDFA and designed and led by an organizing committee made up of Tabitha Jackson, Rima Mismar, Isabel Arrate Fernandez, and Orwa Nyrabia.
The symposium emerged from a broader moment of reflection within IDFA and the international film community on the responsibilities of cultural institutions today.
The event was held by invitation only and brought together 28 participants from across the international film and cultural sector. All attendees took part as individuals rather than as representatives of their respective institutions. In line with the symposium’s principles, participation was subject to a high level of confidentiality. Reporting on the process has been undertaken with the consent of participants and with careful consideration for privacy and context.
This report is published as part of an ongoing process of reflection. It does not seek to offer conclusions or solutions, but rather to serve as a resource for continued discussion—whether as a think piece, a workshop tool, or a reference for universities and cultural institutions engaging with similar questions.
