Code Of Conduct

Riga International Short Film Festival 2ANNAS celebrates innovative, challenging and socially significant cinema. Through our programme and all the events in the festival, we strive for equality, accessibility and inclusion for every guest, filmmaker, partner, staff member and volunteer. 

2ANNAS warmly welcomes people of all genders, races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, abilities and backgrounds. We stand for human rights and peace globally, defend the principles of freedom, and we are in solidarity with the people of Ukraine in support of their liberty. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful and open environment where all voices are heard and valued. 

Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour that we expect during the festival, actions that we do not tolerate and explains where participants can seek assistance or support throughout the festival period, if needed. This Code applies to all team members, volunteers, partners, guests, artists, and audience members. Anyone who chooses to engage in a behaviour that is physically, emotionally or psychologically harmful to themselves or others, will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This policy applies to all team members, volunteers, partners, guests, artists, and audience members.

By attending the festival, all participants automatically agree to abide by the policies outlined in this document. All staff members, guests, and audience members are informed of and expected to uphold the Code of Conduct. This document is available for review on our website and on the festival grounds. It is one’s own responsibility to introduce themselves to it thoroughly. 

What we expect from all guests and members of ISFF 2ANNAS:
1. Treat themselves and each other with respect and dignity. 
2. Communicate in a peaceful and constructive manner.
3. Be aware of individual personal space. 
4. Cultivate an inclusive environment that supports people of all backgrounds. 
5. Report any concerning or inappropriate behavior to the festival team on site.

What we do not tolerate:
1. Any kind of hate speech. 
2. Harassment that includes but is not limited to physical violance, sexual harassment and any form of intimidation. 
3. Invasion of one's personal space that is not consensual. 
4. Direct or indirect discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, disability, or any other characteristic.
5. Excessive videography and photography of others. 
6. Intentional misgendering and denial of one's identity. 
7. Violation of copyright and intellectual property - recording during film screenings is not allowed.

Please be aware: Excessive usage of alcohol or any kind of drugs that would put you or others in danger and disrupt the festival screening and events is not tolerated. 

Breach of Code of Conduct
If a violation of the Code of Conduct occurs, the festival team keep the right to exclude a member from the festival event or from the entire festival, without compensation. This decision cannot be subjected to appeal. The organizing team keeps the right to withdraw any films, Q&A session or any other activities,  if the person who is responsible for them has not complied with the Code of Conduct.

The implementation

1. Festival Center 
Most festival events take place at Kaņepes Cultural Center, a venue that has established safety procedures. By saying the safe word “KLĀRA” to a bartender or staff member, you can discreetly notify them that you require help or wish to report a concern.

2. Awareness team 
Each festival event has a staff member or volunteer whose responsibility includes to actively observe and report any kind of behavior that is not tolerated in the festival. These members will be wearing a glowstick bracelet and can be approached in a case of need and if one feels unsafe, needs help or wants to report a violation of code of conduct. 

3. The Designated Contact Person
If you are a victim or a witness of harassment verbal or physical, any form of discrimination, or feel unsafe, please approach any of the staff members on the site. We will not escalate the situation to the authorities, if you do not wish so, unless it is required by law.

The Designated Contact Person for such situations is Liene M. Pekuse (+371 28202623). You can reach out to this number by calling or messaging.

4. Reporting issues anonymously 
If you wish to report something anonymously, you may do so through this form. Please be aware that it limits our ability to act on the information provided. All information you provide will be kept confidential between the Designated Contact Person and you, unless further assistance is needed. 

Commitment to Improvement 
We recognise that even with the best intentions in mind, we may miss aspects that we are not aware of. We commit to review the Code of Conduct annually and improve based on our experience and input from the festival partners. To improve the implementation of Code of Conduct we commit to training our staff and volunteers annually.

We also welcome any feedback about this policy and it’s implementation. If you wish to do so, please reach out to office@2annas.lv.