The Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) today announced that its Annual Cineposium will be held September 20 - 22 in Bogotá, Colombia -- bringing the conference to Latin America for the first time in its 45-year history.
The annual Cineposium conference connects AFCI members with global production industry decision makers and government policymakers. It is the only international conference focused on education and professional development specifically for film commission professionals.
Over the past decade, Cineposium has been held in the US, France, New Zealand, Spain, South Korea and, most recently, Russia (Saint Petersburg) in 2019. Last year’s Cineposium 2021 was held entirely online due to COVID-19.
This year’s Cineposium is timed to immediately follow the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), enabling participants to attend both events in succession, with Bogotá and Toronto in the same time zone and many direct flights available daily between the two cities.
AFCI President Eve Honthaner states that not only did Bogotá submit an exceptional proposal demonstrating their commitment to host this great event, but that: “AFCI is thrilled to show its support for the industry and our growing membership in Latin America.”
The decision to hold Cineposium in Colombia’s capital city followed a rigorous selection process. Prospective host cities were judged based on resources, infrastructure and commitment to hosting a world-class conference.
The growth in film/TV production across Latin America was also a factor in this year’s selection. Colombia alone now boasts more than 100 studios for film/TV production, animation and video games.
“AFCI’s presence in Latin America has grown along with the continent’s emergence as a production center,” added Honthaner. “We have national and regional film commission members in Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic and Colombia, and we expect our Latin American membership to grow further with the launch of several new film offices currently in development.”
In addition to its increasing status as a production center, Bogota is home to a diverse population of nearly eight million people. It is a popular destination for international events, having been named a “Global Business Center” by the World Travel Awards and a “Creative City” by UNESCO.
Honthaner added, “Bogotá will offer Cineposium attendees a unique conference experience and a window into Latin America’s growing media production industry.”
AFCI is working closely on Cineposium 2022 planning with the Bogotá Film Commission from the Instituto Distrital de las Artes (Idartes), along with more Colombia-based entities including the Colombian Film Commission, Proimágenes Colombia, The Bogotá Chamber of Commerce, PROCOLOMBIA, Colombian Ministry of Culture, The Bogotá Tourism Office, Invest in Bogotá and the Greater Bogotá Convention Bureau.
Instituto Distrital de las Artes director Catalina Valencia states “From Idartes, we are proud to host the Cineposium 2022 in Bogotá, it will be a great opportunity to show the growth of the arts, culture and creation of the city, in addition to continuing efforts to position our capital as the audiovisual epicenter of the region. This is a challenge that fills us with joy since it is the first city to host the event in Latin America. For this reason, we send a welcome greeting to film commissioners and invite them to come to Bogotá”.
More information about Cineposium 2022 sessions, speakers and early registration will be announced soon.
COVID-19 Policies & Protocols:
In Colombia and its capital city Bogotá, wearing a mask is compulsory in public places, private or public institutions and in all kinds of events. It’s recommended to keep social distance in all places, washing hands every two hours and isolating for seven days in case of having any respiratory symptoms. Thanks to the National Vaccination Plan, in Bogotá there are a total of 13.097.103 COVID-19 vaccine doses applied, which means 89,7% of the population with a completed vaccination scheme. The city has a 93,6% percentage of patients recovered.
About the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI)
Founded in 1975, the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) is the only global non-profit professional organization representing city, state, regional, provincial and national film commission members on six continents. AFCI provides the advocacy, connectivity and education necessary for film commissions and businesses in the screen sector to foster economic growth and promote infrastructure development in an inclusive and sustainable manner. AFCI produces two signature events each year – AFCI Week and Cineposium -- that draw attendees, speakers and exhibitors from around the world. AFCI is based in Los Angeles. For more information, visit AFCI.org.