Code of Conduct

 

Introduction

Since 2009, Leiden Shorts has become the second-largest short film festival in the Netherlands with submissions from over 80 countries around the globe.

During the four festival days, we screened some of the world’s best new short films, alongside a colourful side program of events, lectures, workshops, parties and meetings between filmmakers, the public, and other partners.

Since 2009, Leiden Shorts (formerly known as LISFE) has been run by a diverse team of expats, locals, and is powered by a team of international and Dutch volunteers. Together, we envision Leiden Shorts as both an alternative and sustainable creative space where we can collectively explore the storytelling power that short films have.

As avid promoters of international film, Leiden Shorts aims to create a cultural conversation that can be sustained outside of the festival. We are fundamental believers in cinema as a tool for social change and want to become an outspoken voice in Leiden’s cultural scene. We fully embrace diversity, not only in culture but also in discipline, medium, and expression.

Above all, Leiden Shorts views the creation of short films as a self-sustaining cycle that shapes communities while simultaneously being shaped by the places they emerge from. Our various competitions, side events, and growing collaborations with local museums, collectives, and other international voices are just some of the ways in which we hope to shape the future of short film.

 

Purpose of the Code of Conduct

The Leiden Shorts team and community is made up of a mixture of professionals and volunteers from all over the world, working on every aspect of the organisation.

Diversity is one of our huge strengths, but it can also lead to communication issues and unhappiness. To that end, we have a few ground rules that we ask people to adhere to. This code applies equally to managers, volunteers, interns and guests.

Everyone participating in Leiden Shorts is required to agree to the following Code of Conduct. This includes all attendees, speakers, patrons (sponsors), volunteers, and staff. Anyone who violates this Code of Conduct may be sanctioned or expelled from this organisation at the discretion of the management team.

 

Expected internal behaviour 

 

Harassment policies

Leiden Shorts is dedicated to providing a harassment-free experience for everyone, regardless of gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, mental illness, neurotype, physical appearance, body, age, race, ethnicity, nationality, language, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of staff, volunteers or guests in any form.

Harassment includes:

 

If you are being harassed by a member of Leiden Shorts, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please contact Festival Director Niv (niv@leidenshorts.nl) or any member of the management team immediately.

 

Expected external behaviour

Leiden Shorts is an organisation that brings together different voices. Diversity is what makes us unique and proud. Whenever we represent our festival to the public, we also represent its vision and mission. Whenever we speak through the channels of Leiden Shorts, we need to do so in line with its identity. 

 

Handling equipment

We and all team members treat the material and intangible property of Leiden Shorts with care and do not use it for private purposes. The equipment, tools, documents, email accounts, online cloud services, and data provided to us to complete our tasks are the sole property of Leiden Shorts. We treat these assets and data responsibly and diligently and do not make inappropriate use of them. We will not accept negligent or deliberate misuse of this property.