This code of conduct is not intended to be persecutory or punitive, but rather to be an instrument of transparency, guidance and protection – both for the organisation itself and for the people within it.
IndieLisboa is an international film festival, made by and for people of all nationalities, ethnicities, ages, socio-economic backgrounds, religions and beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities and/or expressions and sexual characteristics, education levels, disabilities, neurodivergences, corporealities, languages spoken and migration statuses, among other social markers of inclusion and exclusion.
This code of conduct establishes IndieLisboa’s commitment and expectation of everyone involved in its activities – from the organisation to its partner companies, to the people attending, whether as guests or as the public – to guarantee a positive experience, free from harassment, discrimination, sexism and intimidation.
IndieLisboa reserves the right to condemn behaviour that goes against this commitment, and to revoke access, without prior notice or refund, to events and venues to anyone who engages in such conduct.
Take care of yourself and other people
If you experience a situation of disrespect, harassment and/or violence:
- If you can do so safely, calmly and assertively inform the person that they are engaging in behaviour that makes you uncomfortable and to stop doing so.
- If the person doesn’t stop and insists, remove yourself from the situation and find someone to whom you can report the situation.
- If you see that a person seems lost, confused or uncomfortable, ask them if they need support.
- If you witness disrespectful behaviour, harassment and/or violence, don’t ignore it – report it to the organisation.
Who to contact if you are a victim or witness harassment:
If you want to report behaviour that is contrary to this code of conduct, you should notify a member of staff on site or send an email to Rosária Vale, from the board of Associação Cultural IndieLisboa: [email protected].
Welcoming people without invading their space and sensitivities
- Treat everyone respectfully and politely, but don’t force conversation or physical contact.
- When you greet people, ask them what kind of greeting they are most comfortable with (handshake, hug, kiss, etc).
- Pay attention and respect people’s personal space. This notion varies greatly from person to person – if in doubt, ask respectfully.
- It’s not always possible to understand which pronoun people use – if in doubt, ask respectfully.
Be culturally aware
What is considered normal for you may not be for other people. So avoid:
- Comments about people’s appearance, clothes, accents or ways of expressing themselves.
- Jokes about people’s nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender or sexuality.
- If you’re not sure whether what you want to say will be well received, consider choosing not to say it.
Respecting limits
- No is no. If someone doesn’t want to talk, take part in an activity or be approached again, respect their decision.
- Avoid close contact and invasive, extremely personal questions.
- If someone tells you they feel uncomfortable about something you’ve said or done, stop that behaviour.
Contribute critically and positively
If you have any questions or suggestions about this code of conduct, talk to us. Write to us at [email protected]
If you prefer to maintain confidentiality or feel that objectivity and impartiality may be compromised, we encourage counselling through the Portuguese Association for Victim Support, APAV, which helps victims of ALL crimes, as well as their families and friends:
- through the Victim Support Line 116 006 (free call, weekdays 08h-22h)
- through the National Network of Victim Support Offices
- by e-mail [email protected]
More information www.apav.pt