POLICIES
The Reykjavík International Film Festival – RIFF, is a vibrant festival that changes from year to year. Such an environment can create a fun and productive working environment, but it can also be challenging. It is therefore important that processes are in place to ensure transparency and quality work practices.
RIFF has established policies on sustainability, accessibility, and an employee policy that includes an Equal Opportunities and Conduct Policy. The current policies were approved by RIFF's management in June 2024.
RIFF has established policies on sustainability, accessibility, and an employee policy that includes an Equal Opportunities and Conduct Policy. The current policies were approved by RIFF's management in June 2024.
OBJECTIVES
GOAL
The objective of RIFF's employee policy is to maintain a team of qualified, reliable, and enthusiastic staff who work cohesively to prepare the festival.
The policy aims to foster a positive work environment and conditions where respect and equality characterize all interactions. Emphasis is placed on ensuring that employees are well-informed about their duties and responsibilities and demonstrate accountability and initiative.
RECRUITMENT AND RECEPTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES
Job openings at RIFF are open to all applicants. The selection of staff is based on professional practices and principles of equality. Emphasis is placed on welcoming new employees and educating them about the festival's operations, tasks, and other relevant matters.
SHOP STEWARD
RIFF appointed a shop steward on June 1, 2024. The position of the shop steward is reviewed annually at the beginning of the working year.
The role of the shop steward is to be available for colleagues, monitor their well-being and job security, facilitate communication with the employer, and disseminate information.
VALUES
RIFF staff adhere to specific values in their work.
These values are joy, initiative, drive, and professionalism.
JOB SATISFACTION AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Emphasis is placed on maintaining a good work environment where employees feel comfortable. Everyone contributes to creating a positive work atmosphere. Interactions are characterized by honesty, respect, and trust. Employees are encouraged to express their opinions about the workplace. In all cases, suggestions should be directed to the immediate supervisor or confidential advisor. In the event of a dispute, employees commit to following the guiding processes, as per RIFF's anti-harassment policy (below).
EQUALITY
Emphasis is placed on employees enjoying the rights stipulated by laws, regulations, and agreements on equality issues. Full equality is maintained in all festival work and tasks.
RIFF'S ANTI-HARASSMENT POLICY
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of RIFF's EKKO [EKKO: bullying, gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, violence] policy, prevention and response plan is to ensure resources and promote prevention and procedures to respond to EKKO issues. This policy is based on comparable policies from the public sector and complies with the provisions of Act No. 46/1980 on facilities, hygiene and safety at work and Regulation No. 1009/2015 on measures against EKKO in the workplace.
POLICY
RIFF places great emphasis on creating a safe and healthy working environment for employees and partners. Bullying, gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, and violence are not tolerated, and all reports of such will be taken seriously. The following prevention and response plan should be followed in harassment cases.
TO PROMOTE EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING AND SAFETY, THE FOLLOWING WILL BE EMPHASIZED
Regularly review the effectiveness of methods and after a harassment case.
Train managers in anti-harassment procedures and handling complaints, emphasizing empathy and active listening.
Educate employees about the characteristics, consequences, and procedures of harassment-cases as needed.
Make procedures visible and accessible on RIFF's internal website and in employee manuals.
RESPONSE PLAN
Responsibility and Role
RIFF employees share the responsibility of creating a safe working environment. If an employee experiences, witnesses, or has a justified suspicion of a harassment-incident, they should report it to their immediate supervisor or human resources manager. RIFF can also consult specialists in harassment-issues for support and advice.
Case Discussion
Discussion provides an individual the opportunity to talk about their experience in a safe setting without filing a formal complaint. Information is provided about formal procedures and support resources.
Formal Procedure
Formal proceedings begin if an employee files a formal complaint about an EKKO incident. In formal proceedings, an investigation of the facts of the case is carried out, information is collected and a conclusion is reached. The following procedure is taken into account: A notification is sent to the human resources manager/administrator.
An impartial investigation and processing begin, possibly with the assistance of specialists.
Information gathering and interviews with the parties involved, and collecting evidence.
Processing of data and presenting the conclusion to the parties involved.
Follow-up: Providing follow-up to the parties involved and offering additional resolution methods if needed.
Definitions
This policy and response plan are based on the following definitions according to Regulation No. 1009/2015 and Act No. 150/2020: Bear in mind that this is a guiding translation by RIFF staff on June 2024 - some official terms may vary.
Bullying: Repeated behavior that causes distress, such as insulting, hurting, or threatening. Gender-based harassment: Behavior related to gender that violates respect and creates an intimidating environment.
Sexual harassment: Any type of sexual behavior that violates respect and creates a humiliating situation.
Violence: Behavior that causes or could cause physical or psychological harm, including the threat of such.
The aim of RIFF's EKKO [EKKO: bullying, gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, violence] policy, prevention and response plan is to ensure resources and promote prevention and procedures to respond to EKKO issues. This policy is based on comparable policies from the public sector and complies with the provisions of Act No. 46/1980 on facilities, hygiene and safety at work and Regulation No. 1009/2015 on measures against EKKO in the workplace.
POLICY
RIFF places great emphasis on creating a safe and healthy working environment for employees and partners. Bullying, gender-based harassment, sexual harassment, and violence are not tolerated, and all reports of such will be taken seriously. The following prevention and response plan should be followed in harassment cases.
TO PROMOTE EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING AND SAFETY, THE FOLLOWING WILL BE EMPHASIZED
Regularly review the effectiveness of methods and after a harassment case.
Train managers in anti-harassment procedures and handling complaints, emphasizing empathy and active listening.
Educate employees about the characteristics, consequences, and procedures of harassment-cases as needed.
Make procedures visible and accessible on RIFF's internal website and in employee manuals.
RESPONSE PLAN
Responsibility and Role
RIFF employees share the responsibility of creating a safe working environment. If an employee experiences, witnesses, or has a justified suspicion of a harassment-incident, they should report it to their immediate supervisor or human resources manager. RIFF can also consult specialists in harassment-issues for support and advice.
Case Discussion
Discussion provides an individual the opportunity to talk about their experience in a safe setting without filing a formal complaint. Information is provided about formal procedures and support resources.
Formal Procedure
Formal proceedings begin if an employee files a formal complaint about an EKKO incident. In formal proceedings, an investigation of the facts of the case is carried out, information is collected and a conclusion is reached. The following procedure is taken into account: A notification is sent to the human resources manager/administrator.
An impartial investigation and processing begin, possibly with the assistance of specialists.
Information gathering and interviews with the parties involved, and collecting evidence.
Processing of data and presenting the conclusion to the parties involved.
Follow-up: Providing follow-up to the parties involved and offering additional resolution methods if needed.
Definitions
This policy and response plan are based on the following definitions according to Regulation No. 1009/2015 and Act No. 150/2020: Bear in mind that this is a guiding translation by RIFF staff on June 2024 - some official terms may vary.
Bullying: Repeated behavior that causes distress, such as insulting, hurting, or threatening. Gender-based harassment: Behavior related to gender that violates respect and creates an intimidating environment.
Sexual harassment: Any type of sexual behavior that violates respect and creates a humiliating situation.
Violence: Behavior that causes or could cause physical or psychological harm, including the threat of such.
SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
How Does the Film Industry Relate to Sustainability?
In recent years and decades, there has been a revolution in the film industry and film-related industries in terms of sustainability. The film industry's responsibility is multifaceted and concerns more than the tangible environment and green priorities. Large and international film productions can certainly have a huge carbon footprint if not carefully managed.
However, the economic and cultural impact of film should not be underestimated. There has been much debate about social responsibility at all stages of film production, from script and casting to location selection and final screenings before the premiere.
How Can a Film Festival Be Sustainable?
The international festival industry has had to take a hard look at itself in recent years. Event managers, such as major international film festivals, music festivals, literary festivals and other cultural festivals, need to take responsibility and put on a “sustainability lens” when making every decision. Many small things add up to one big thing, and that includes good deeds.
It is a well-established fact that increased inclusion has an impact. Society as a whole owes a lot to pioneers in this field. Representatives of marginalized groups from all walks of life have sacrificed themselves decade after decade to lift stories, tell stories, and break silences that previously seemed impenetrable. With every single film production, a decision is made about whose stories matter. It is safe to say that by denying certain social groups visibility in films altogether, there is a harmful synergistic effect. By selecting and supporting diverse stories, we can empower those who are disadvantaged in society and break harmful stereotypes.
Green sustainability
What Are Others in this field Doing to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint?
International film festivals have been working to reduce their carbon footprint and increase sustainability through various measures.
CPH:DOX
Copenhagen International Documentary Festival, CPH:DOX, is a Nordic leader in green solutions in film festival production. The festival is a partner of RIFF within the SMART7 network. CPH:DOX has implemented a strong strategy to reduce emissions through radical, diverse and innovative actions. These include participation in carbon offset projects, sustainable transportation for both guests and staff, a digital sustainability strategy, environmentally friendly venues and a focus on green cities and partners.
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival has taken extensive steps to reduce its environmental impact. The festival has reduced its paper usage by 50% by moving publications to electronic format and scaling down print runs. All single-use plastic packaging has been eliminated, and water fountains have been installed instead. The use of renewable energy sources and electric cars has been greatly increased, and guests are encouraged to use public transport with special travel passes. The festival has also adopted “green” standards for catering, emphasizing local and seasonal products, as well as offering vegetarian options.
The Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival (La Biennale di Venezia) claims to be carbon neutral. The plan included a shift to renewable energy, as well as recycling and reusing raw materials, and carbon offsetting through the purchase of carbon credits. The festival gives priority to suppliers who are environmentally certified, use renewable raw materials, and demonstrate environmental awareness in action. The festival achieved its stated goal of carbon neutrality in 2021.
How Do Film Festivals Benefit Society?
International film festivals may seem inherently unsustainable, but research has shown that such festivals have a positive impact on the economy and social consciousness in societies that strive for sustainability and environmental protection.
Cultural value and preservation of cultural heritage: Film festivals contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and education. They provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, thus promoting diversity in filmmaking. Research has shown that film festivals increase cultural awareness and have a positive impact on communities that are sustainable and inclusive.
Economic impact: Film festivals generate significant revenue for the cities that host them, as well as creating jobs and promoting growth in tourism and related sectors. A study by the European Audiovisual Observatory (also here) shows that the financial benefits of film festivals can outweigh their environmental impact.
Active environmental policy: Numerous film festivals use their platform purposefully to raise awareness of environmental issues and promote a more sustainable society, through a selection of films and even film categories specialized in sustainability and environmental issues.
Sustainable festival planning and production: Many film festivals have adopted sustainable measures to reduce their carbon footprint. Examples show that large festivals
In recent years and decades, there has been a revolution in the film industry and film-related industries in terms of sustainability. The film industry's responsibility is multifaceted and concerns more than the tangible environment and green priorities. Large and international film productions can certainly have a huge carbon footprint if not carefully managed.
However, the economic and cultural impact of film should not be underestimated. There has been much debate about social responsibility at all stages of film production, from script and casting to location selection and final screenings before the premiere.
How Can a Film Festival Be Sustainable?
The international festival industry has had to take a hard look at itself in recent years. Event managers, such as major international film festivals, music festivals, literary festivals and other cultural festivals, need to take responsibility and put on a “sustainability lens” when making every decision. Many small things add up to one big thing, and that includes good deeds.
It is a well-established fact that increased inclusion has an impact. Society as a whole owes a lot to pioneers in this field. Representatives of marginalized groups from all walks of life have sacrificed themselves decade after decade to lift stories, tell stories, and break silences that previously seemed impenetrable. With every single film production, a decision is made about whose stories matter. It is safe to say that by denying certain social groups visibility in films altogether, there is a harmful synergistic effect. By selecting and supporting diverse stories, we can empower those who are disadvantaged in society and break harmful stereotypes.
Green sustainability
What Are Others in this field Doing to Reduce Their Carbon Footprint?
International film festivals have been working to reduce their carbon footprint and increase sustainability through various measures.
CPH:DOX
Copenhagen International Documentary Festival, CPH:DOX, is a Nordic leader in green solutions in film festival production. The festival is a partner of RIFF within the SMART7 network. CPH:DOX has implemented a strong strategy to reduce emissions through radical, diverse and innovative actions. These include participation in carbon offset projects, sustainable transportation for both guests and staff, a digital sustainability strategy, environmentally friendly venues and a focus on green cities and partners.
Cannes Film Festival
The Cannes Film Festival has taken extensive steps to reduce its environmental impact. The festival has reduced its paper usage by 50% by moving publications to electronic format and scaling down print runs. All single-use plastic packaging has been eliminated, and water fountains have been installed instead. The use of renewable energy sources and electric cars has been greatly increased, and guests are encouraged to use public transport with special travel passes. The festival has also adopted “green” standards for catering, emphasizing local and seasonal products, as well as offering vegetarian options.
The Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival (La Biennale di Venezia) claims to be carbon neutral. The plan included a shift to renewable energy, as well as recycling and reusing raw materials, and carbon offsetting through the purchase of carbon credits. The festival gives priority to suppliers who are environmentally certified, use renewable raw materials, and demonstrate environmental awareness in action. The festival achieved its stated goal of carbon neutrality in 2021.
How Do Film Festivals Benefit Society?
International film festivals may seem inherently unsustainable, but research has shown that such festivals have a positive impact on the economy and social consciousness in societies that strive for sustainability and environmental protection.
Cultural value and preservation of cultural heritage: Film festivals contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage and education. They provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, thus promoting diversity in filmmaking. Research has shown that film festivals increase cultural awareness and have a positive impact on communities that are sustainable and inclusive.
Economic impact: Film festivals generate significant revenue for the cities that host them, as well as creating jobs and promoting growth in tourism and related sectors. A study by the European Audiovisual Observatory (also here) shows that the financial benefits of film festivals can outweigh their environmental impact.
Active environmental policy: Numerous film festivals use their platform purposefully to raise awareness of environmental issues and promote a more sustainable society, through a selection of films and even film categories specialized in sustainability and environmental issues.
Sustainable festival planning and production: Many film festivals have adopted sustainable measures to reduce their carbon footprint. Examples show that large festivals
ACCESSIBILITY POLICY
The Reykjavík International Film Festival – RIFF’s accessibility policy aims to ensure that all individuals, regardless of disability, can participate in the festival’s events and screenings. This includes improving accessibility to buildings and events, promoting inclusion and making appropriate arrangements to accommodate the widest possible range of audiences.
The implementation of RIFF's accessibility policy will be carried out in stages, the size and number of which will depend on the size of the event and the resources available. In 2024, the festival aims to ensure full accessibility for all festival guests with reduced mobility and improve access to information through easy-to-read content on the website and in the festival brochure. Targeted work with experts and interest groups began in 2024 and the position of accessibility officer has been established.
The festival aims to continue to develop and improve accessibility, broaden the service group, and work towards the larger goal of ensuring that everyone who wants to can enjoy RIFF exhibitions, regardless of disability. At the same time, specific resources provided by the festival meet the needs of those groups.
Key concepts
Accessibility: Ensuring that those in need can attend exhibitions and events, including access to buildings and the event itself, and making appropriate adjustments.
Inclusion: Strive to ensure that disabled people can participate in events according to their ability and interest, and include their perspectives in the implementation of events.
Appropriate adaptation: Adapting conditions so that as many people as possible can participate, for example by changing the environment to promote inclusion.
RIFF 2024 – Improved accessibility for visitors with disabilities
In 2024, RIFF will take steps to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. This includes:
To ensure that wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments can attend exhibitions and events comfortably and that accessibility is provided at all RIFF events and exhibitions. Likewise, that information and services are available at all exhibitions.
The position of RIFF's accessibility representative is a contact for individuals and disability advocacy organizations.
Providing free access to events for disabled assistants.
Education for employees and volunteers organized by RIFF.
In 2024, RIFF will implement measures that meet the needs of specific groups with promotional materials in easy-to-read language. This includes:
A website on the festival website riff.is where information about the program and special events can be found in easy-to-read language.
Presentation of RIFF's accessibility policy in easy-to-read language on the RIFF website.
Participation in UngRIFF
RIFF promotes inclusion and appropriate adaptation for disabled guests at the UngRIFF children's film festival. The festival is committed to consulting with experts and disability advocacy groups in the development and implementation of UngRIFF.
Training for staff
RIFF will offer training for staff and volunteers on the needs of different groups, provided by organizations such as Sjálfsbjörg and Throskahjálp. An accessibility officer will be available to review the policy regularly. The festival strives to recruit staff from diverse backgrounds and explores opportunities for recruitment and innovation grants in collaboration with organizations such as the Directorate of Labour.
Future plans – RIFF for everyone
RIFF is committed to developing and conceptualizing a festival that will increase accessibility year after year. RIFF thus intends to continuously improve accessibility to the festival under the slogan: RIFF for everyone. This includes plans for special screenings in the coming years, to offer subtitles, audio meshes and special screenings for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing difficulties. The festival aims to meet the needs of hearing-impaired audiences with sign language interpretation, written interpretation and other resources. RIFF seeks the cooperation of the state and municipalities and funds that support individuals with special needs, so that the dream of RIFF for everyone can become a reality.
The implementation of RIFF's accessibility policy will be carried out in stages, the size and number of which will depend on the size of the event and the resources available. In 2024, the festival aims to ensure full accessibility for all festival guests with reduced mobility and improve access to information through easy-to-read content on the website and in the festival brochure. Targeted work with experts and interest groups began in 2024 and the position of accessibility officer has been established.
The festival aims to continue to develop and improve accessibility, broaden the service group, and work towards the larger goal of ensuring that everyone who wants to can enjoy RIFF exhibitions, regardless of disability. At the same time, specific resources provided by the festival meet the needs of those groups.
Key concepts
Accessibility: Ensuring that those in need can attend exhibitions and events, including access to buildings and the event itself, and making appropriate adjustments.
Inclusion: Strive to ensure that disabled people can participate in events according to their ability and interest, and include their perspectives in the implementation of events.
Appropriate adaptation: Adapting conditions so that as many people as possible can participate, for example by changing the environment to promote inclusion.
RIFF 2024 – Improved accessibility for visitors with disabilities
In 2024, RIFF will take steps to ensure accessibility for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. This includes:
To ensure that wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments can attend exhibitions and events comfortably and that accessibility is provided at all RIFF events and exhibitions. Likewise, that information and services are available at all exhibitions.
The position of RIFF's accessibility representative is a contact for individuals and disability advocacy organizations.
Providing free access to events for disabled assistants.
Education for employees and volunteers organized by RIFF.
In 2024, RIFF will implement measures that meet the needs of specific groups with promotional materials in easy-to-read language. This includes:
A website on the festival website riff.is where information about the program and special events can be found in easy-to-read language.
Presentation of RIFF's accessibility policy in easy-to-read language on the RIFF website.
Participation in UngRIFF
RIFF promotes inclusion and appropriate adaptation for disabled guests at the UngRIFF children's film festival. The festival is committed to consulting with experts and disability advocacy groups in the development and implementation of UngRIFF.
Training for staff
RIFF will offer training for staff and volunteers on the needs of different groups, provided by organizations such as Sjálfsbjörg and Throskahjálp. An accessibility officer will be available to review the policy regularly. The festival strives to recruit staff from diverse backgrounds and explores opportunities for recruitment and innovation grants in collaboration with organizations such as the Directorate of Labour.
Future plans – RIFF for everyone
RIFF is committed to developing and conceptualizing a festival that will increase accessibility year after year. RIFF thus intends to continuously improve accessibility to the festival under the slogan: RIFF for everyone. This includes plans for special screenings in the coming years, to offer subtitles, audio meshes and special screenings for individuals on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing difficulties. The festival aims to meet the needs of hearing-impaired audiences with sign language interpretation, written interpretation and other resources. RIFF seeks the cooperation of the state and municipalities and funds that support individuals with special needs, so that the dream of RIFF for everyone can become a reality.
