A very difficult decision to make but it had to be resolved. Yesterday evening, the entire team of the International Festival of Asian Cinemas consulted after the Prime Minister’s announcements. “It is impossible to bet on a reduction in measures, on the reopening of restaurants which is uncertain, on the cancellation of the curfew. We could not organize this festival without restaurants, without the convivial part and especially with a curfew ”.
Martine and Jean-Marc Thérouanne, assisted by the team, had nevertheless made great strides in the organization of this 27th edition. Everything was ready on paper, but the catalog was not yet at the printer and the plane tickets not yet purchased for the 60 guests …
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The list maintained
“We have never been so ready so early. But we did not commit money either out of prudence, ”explains Martine Thérouanne. “On the other hand, we are getting down to work tomorrow to still offer the public viewing of the 17 films in competition.”
The choice was made, this Thursday evening, to maintain the competition and therefore a prize list of 2,021. The films will be sent to the members of the jury and will be screened free of charge on a public platform to keep the public’s prize.
“We cannot take the risk of maintaining everything and having to cancel everything a few days before the festival, which would be a financial disaster for the festival”.
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An edition for schools in September
The edition that was ready was nevertheless enticing. It was to be chaired by the sublime Leila Hatami, the actress of the film “A separation”. And the program provided for two world releases, several European and national releases.
For the latest edition, the arrival of the pandemic from Asia had created a suspense already very complicated to manage. However, only a few speakers had to decline the invitation and the festival was able to take place under almost normal conditions. Only a few days later, it was the disaster scenario with almost total containment.
Last night, the decision was not easy for the whole team. The planned program will undoubtedly be postponed for a year. It is also possible that a special festival for schoolchildren will be postponed for the month of September. This year, 100 classes had registered to participate.
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