Acorns

This small festival is mainly aimed at docs from Central and Eastern Europe, but also has a good range of international docs too. There is a very friendly atmosphere, with socialising and interaction between filmmakers and public very good, which is no doubt helped by an abundance of cheap Czech beer. Food is also very reasonably priced in the restaurants, and there is a supermarket next to the main festival centre. The overall hospitality of the organisers is excellent. Documentation and catalogues are all well designed and worth keeping. As a member of the press I was well looked after, with easy access to screenings and the excellent videotheque, which has all the films on a server that is easy to search and navigate and allows industry members to follow up and request more details and DVDs. It may not be in the same league as Hot Docs or IDFA, but it is not as overwhelming either and the audiences are young and appreciative. It does offer limited invitations to filmmakers and press, and is definitely worth attending. Just take warm clothing.