CIB International Activists’ Film Festival
By Jago Pearson
The prime method of popular political communication is rapidly becoming the viral movie clip, which is the political leaflet of our times. In light of this development, the Campaign for an Independent Britain has launched an International Activists’ Film Festival (www.cibfilmfestival.org) and is inviting the submission of videos of any variety, whether YouTube clips, mobile phone movies, or something produced to professional standards – each of which illustrates, in its own way, an aspiration to something better than the “Europe” which exists today. These submissions can be about a particular policy, aspect, institution or the European Union as a whole. We are encouraging submissions from groups and individuals from across the continent and around the world.
Consider the general attitude of the British public towards the EU. Most Britons are inclined towards a Eurosceptic position, for a variety of historical, cultural and economic reasons. However, when we compare British attitudes to that of people in other European countries, such as Croatia, which is about to join the EU, the reasons for citizens’ deep reservations about the EU are entirely different. Getting the best out of the CIB film festival is about gaining an understanding and an appreciation of these differences between people and nations.
There is no particular political alignment expected and it is anticipated that supporters and participants in the film festival will have a wide range of political views and allegiances but will share a desire to lift the shadow of the present-day European Union from us. The uniting of different individuals, groups and organisations, in different European countries, who may on other issues be in opposition to one another, will only aid the Eurosceptic movement, help to develop a cultural awareness between groups, and forge an understanding of the contrasting reasons people have for views on the EU.
This is a great project and whether you wish to submit a film, show your support for the film festival, or merely view and vote on the movies already uploaded, please take a look at our website. There is something for everyone to enjoy and an opportunity to acknowledge the varying reasons for Euroscepticism, in Britain, on the Continent and around the world.
In addition to the website, which can be found at www.cibfilmfestival.org, you can follow us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/cibfilmfestival) or ‘Like’ us at www.facebook.com/cibfilmfestival
Considering the current woes within the Eurozone, and the wider European Union, increasing airtime being awarded by the media to the EU debate, and increasing numbers of individuals and groups questioning the long-term viability of the “European project”, I believe the CIB International Film Festival could not have come at a better time.
