Dear Member Societies and Sponsors,

For the second consecutive year, IMAGO will regrettably be absent from the Camerimage Festival. Please understand that this absence was not a choice made by IMAGO. We had planned to attend and schedule joint activities with some of our sponsors and committees. However, the festival made the decision due to concerns about the compliance of the Russian society (RGC), as an IMAGO member, with Polish government guidelines. In light of these circumstances, IMAGO’s General Assembly maintains its sovereignty, and the Board and I adhere to its majority decisions.

Regarding RGC’s membership, the decision not to expel RGC was determined by a democratic vote at IMAGO’s Extraordinary General Assembly 2023. Despite requiring a two-thirds majority for expulsion, the vote received less than 50% support, thus reflecting our member societies’ collective will. Accordingly, RGC remains de facto suspended, in compliance with EU embargo guidelines.

We wish to reiterate our status as a non-political organization. Being registered and based in Belgium, we ensure full compliance with all EU laws and embargoes.

Sincerely,

Mustapha Barat ABC
IMAGO President
and
the IMAGO Board