Following the open letter published about the director Ico Costa and in light of the emergence of new accusations, IndieLisboa has begun a process of reflection and analysis that we want to share publicly.
As is well known, we have selected the director’s most recent feature film, Balane 3, for the next edition of the festival. The Industry section of the festival has also included a film he produced, which is still in post-production.
The situation calls for integrity and social responsibility, principles that govern our code of conduct. We are deeply sensitive to reports of violence and are aware that the social and legal context of gender-based violence is often re-victimising in the way it treats those who report it. In the face of any lingering doubts, IndieLisboa’s conviction regarding these situations is that it must listen to the victims.
For this reason, we have decided to withdraw both films from the festival programme.
We hope that there will be room for the facts to be ascertained, for all those involved to be heard and for the whole truth to be clarified.
If you’ve been a victim of violence, there are means you can turn to:
- Victim Support Line – 116 006 (free call, weekdays 08h-23h)
- Victim Support Offices Nacional Network
- E-mail: [email protected]
- More info: www.apav.pt