Code of Conduct
Athens Film Festival Code of Conduct: Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment
The Athens Film Festival is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, ethnicity, religion, or other protected characteristics. We do not tolerate harassment of festival participants in any form. All participants, including filmmakers, staff, volunteers, guests, and attendees, are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct.
Our Pledge:
- We are dedicated to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
- We will not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination, or abusive behavior.
- We believe in the power of film to bring people together, and we expect all participants to contribute to a positive and enriching experience for all.
Expected Behavior:
- Be respectful and considerate of other participants.
- Exercise common sense and be mindful of your surroundings and fellow attendees.
- Follow all rules and instructions from festival staff and venue personnel.
- Be mindful of the space you occupy and be prepared to share it with others.
- Please keep all venues clean and dispose of waste properly.
Unacceptable Behavior:
The following behaviors are considered harassment and are unacceptable:
- Verbal or written comments that reinforce social structures of domination related to protected characteristics.
- Sexual images, language, or advances in public spaces.
- Intimidation, stalking, or following.
- Harassing photography or recording.
- Sustained disruption of films, screenings, or other events.
- Inappropriate physical contact.
- Unwelcome sexual attention.
Grounds for Denial of Entry, Removal, or Revocation of Access
The festival reserves the right to deny entry, revoke tickets or passes, or remove any individual from an event at its sole discretion, for the following reasons. These reasons apply to all attendees, including those with complimentary or paid tickets.
1. Public Safety and Security:
- Possession of illegal substances or weapons.
- Engaging in violent, threatening, or excessively disruptive behavior.
- Behavior that endangers the safety of staff, guests, or the public.
- Exhibiting signs of intoxication that pose a risk to oneself or others.
- Violating any venue-specific rules or local, state, or federal laws.
2. Violation of the Code of Conduct:
- Any act of harassment or discrimination as defined in this Code.
- Failure to cease disruptive or abusive behavior after being asked to do so by festival staff.
- Acting in a manner that creates a hostile, intimidating, or unsafe environment for other attendees.
3. Disrupting the Event:
- Attempting to gain unauthorized access to restricted areas.
- Using unauthorized recording devices for video or audio.
- Disrupting a film or panel discussion, either verbally or physically.
4. Misuse of Tickets or Credentials:
- Reselling or attempting to transfer a ticket, pass, or credential in violation of festival rules.
- Using a pass or credential that has been revoked or reported lost.
5. Other Legitimate and Non-Discriminatory Reasons:
- A previous history of documented disruptive, harassing, or threatening behavior at this or other events.
- Failure to adhere to a reasonable dress code (if one is established).
- Any other reason that, in the judgment of festival staff, undermines the mission of the festival and its commitment to a safe and respectful environment for all.
Enforcement and Reporting:
If you or someone you know has been subjected to harassment or believe this Code of Conduct has been violated, please contact a staff member immediately. All accusations will be taken seriously and investigated in a fair and impartial manner.
Consequences of Violating the Code:
- Individuals asked to leave the festival for any of the above reasons will not be issued a refund.
- A report will be made of the incident, including a detailed account of the behavior and the reason for removal.
- The festival reserves the right to bar any individual who violates this Code of Conduct from future events.
Malicious False Accusations:
We are committed to a fair process for all. Maliciously making a false accusation of harassment or misconduct will be considered a serious violation of this Code of Conduct. Individuals found to have knowingly made a false accusation may be subject to the same consequences as those who violate this Code.