Festival etiquette
You sit down comfortably in your seat, the lights go out and the magic on screen begins. Everything would be wonderful, if not... Exactly, there are a few things that can prevent you from enjoying all the states of cinema (and a few that will make it easier to surf the AFF waves). We prepared a short guide to festival dos and don’ts, thanks to which the American Film Festival (AFF) will provide an Oscar-winning experience.
1. Safety first and foremost
This year's festival is the first, in two years, that we’re doing without sanitary regulations. However, we encourage you to continue taking care of each other and follow a few basic rules: if you feel unwell, have symptoms of illness – refrain from going to the cinema and seek medical advice. In the event of a cough / runny nose – cover your mouth and nose with a mask. Remember to wash and / or disinfect your hands frequently – you’ll find disinfection stations in the space of the New Horizons Cinema.
2. Punctuality
The film festival is a complex machinery and any delay creates an unpleasant domino effect. So please arrive at the screening rooms at least ten minutes before the start of the film – everyone will have time to take their seats, and our team will be able to start the show on time. We remind you that latecomers will not be admitted to the screening room.
3. Canceling a reservation
"Life is made up of accidents, with a tendency to falling" as goes the old Polish saying. Our booking system provides for the possibility of emergencies and unpredictable events – if you have a pass or accreditation, you can cancel your seat reservation up to 15 minutes before the film starts. You won’t lose points, and at the same time you will make someone’s day - someone, who has been dying to see that film.
4. Light? Only from the projector
Our cinema projectors do not like competition and get nervous when they have to fight for attention with smartphones. Remember not to upset them and not emit light from your phone after the show starts.
5. Drinks and food
Remember to satisfy your (non-film related) hunger before the screening. Our cinema bistro offers a wide range of small and large plates. We also suggest checking out the list of recommended places. It’s forbidden to eat meals or snacks in the screening rooms. Drinks are allowed, but please keep them in closed cups or bottles.
6. Let's meet
The film creators are here for you – they’ll be happy to hear opinions about their work, exchange ideas, take part in polemics (but of course!). We encourage you to stay for Q&As after festival screenings – it’s where you’ll have the world of cinema at your fingertips.
7. Love, peace, kindness
Throughout the festival, our staff and volunteers will make sure you have a good film experience, answer any questions and dispel any doubts. We know, first hand, that reciprocated love has the greatest power. That’s why we kindly ask that you follow the instructions and recommendations of our festival team. The ultimate goal is our collective comfort.
The 13th American Film Festival (AFF) starts this Tuesday, November 8th. The program of the event includes 88 titles – Hollywood novelties, as well as avant-garde gems. This year’s AFF will be held in a hybrid model again. From November 8-13 we invite you to on-site screenings at the New Horizons Cinema in Wrocław, and you’ll have a chance for online screenings until November 20, via the New Horizons VOD platform.
