The International Activists’ Film Festival is an exciting new project brought to you by the Campaign for an Independent Britain. The prime method of popular political communication is rapidly becoming the viral movie clip, which is the political leaflet of our times. Incorporating this development, we are inviting the submission of videos of any variety, whether they are 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. This expression may come in varying degrees; it may 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 British public's attitude towards the EU: it is generally somewhat sceptical for a familiar set of historical, cultural and economic reasons. However, when we compare that to another country, such as Croatia, the reasons so many citizens have deep reservations about their country's impending accession to the EU are entirely different. Getting the best out of this 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 both supporters and participants in the festival may have varying degrees of political disagreement on other matters. The uniting of different individuals, groups and organisations, who may be in opposition in other cases, will only aid the movement, develop a cultural awareness and forge an understanding of the contrasting reasons people have for their adopted viewpoint on the European Union.
It will, of course, also enhance the position of the moving picture as the focal point for not only political campaigns, but communication in its entirety within a vibrant and dynamic 21st Century.
