LIDF

The LIDF began with a few friends under the banner of PocketVisions. The name was chosen with reference to a line by the critic and author John Berger: “The pocket in question is a small pocket of resistance. A pocket is formed when two or more people come together in agreement.”

In the last few years the landscape for documentary festivals has changed, as has the means of distribution and exposure. Festivals have always suffered from a few simple problems, the most obvious being that a festival is situated in a particular place and a particular time.

In a paradoxical way this has meant that a festival becomes an exclusive place and not a place of community. If there is one thing that documentary films strive for it is the creation of dialogue and community. Both of which take time. We have watched many, many films and we have witnessed the desire to connect and make a difference. This is wonderful. We have concluded that festivals in their classic form are not a very good way of doing this. Too much time and effort is spent on silly things, not on the films, or their message.

So, the LIDF has decided to evolve into a place where film and ideas can be more easily exchanged. In essence, this means a permanent festival, that mixes live events with on-line, and is representative of the concerns of those who care about documentary film, and more importantly how those films can affect social change and forms of engagement in issues large or small.

What is increasingly clear in the politics of our moment is that intolerance grows, and difference is seen as a negative rather than a positive. If we believe ourselves to be active citizens we must respond, and in the process redefine what being a citizen means. We must not underestimate the potential destruction of a form of social contract that is not inviable but was hard won and needs sustenance.

So, what does a mere festival do in this moment? It has to become an active part of the public sphere, not just a few days of celebration and parties. It must engage and respond on a constant basis and not try to be some sort of summation but instead part of the process.

This may not be straightforward but we believe that it is an experiment worth trying. The first step of which is to ask you to be a part of it.

“The pocket in question’ remains important and always will. We would like to offer you the opportunity to become a Founder Member of this new LIDF there are benefits and potential. It means dialogue first and foremost. It means that films and concerns can be highlighted. As a filmmaker you will have your own page on the LIDF website to post to and promote your work, even fundraise, you can participate in the monthly votes of the films we will screen on-line, you will be able to consult with the community if you have particular questions or need assistance, you can work with us to create workshops and other initiatives wherever you are, including your own screenings from our back-catalogue. When there is big decisions to take the LIDF will consult with you and we will discuss new ideas with you. We will work with you to build positive dialogue and partnerships.

Working with members the Festival will have the following aims:

• An emphasis on cultural diversity and exchange
• A mix of monthly ‘live’ events and on-line magazine and distribution
• The work of filmmakers highlighted and available for prolonged viewing
• Create new forms of dialogue
• Increase funding opportunities
• Extend the presence and discussion of films
• New forms of engagement
• Educational and workshop opportunities

We believe this is a new model for a festival. This community will depend upon the ideas of all, from anywhere, together we can facilitate connections and change.

What is increasingly clear in the politics of our moment is that intolerance grows, and difference is seen as a negative rather than a positive. If we believe ourselves to be active citizens we must respond, and in the process redefine what being a citizen means. We must not underestimate the potential destruction of a form of social contract that is not inviable but was hard won and needs sustenance.

So, what does a mere festival do in this moment? It has to become an active part of the public sphere, not just a few days of celebration and parties. It must engage and respond on a constant basis and not try to be some sort of summation but instead part of the process. This may not be straightforward but we believe that it is an experiment worth trying.

In this rather fractured world perhaps it is time for the LIDF to become something run not only for for those who create but, with those who create.

We are only offering a limited number of Founder Memberships. Founder Members will be acknowledged on the new web-site and they will be a permanent part of our discussion as the festival progresses.

Lifetime Founder Membership is 95 Euros. Annual membership of 55 Euros will be available eventually with slightly fewer benefits.

To sign up click HERE