News

Representatives from twenty film workers’ organisations in Asia gathered in Korea in July on invitation of UNI Apro, UNI MEI and Korean affiliate FKWUM for a regional meeting.



Thirty Participants from fifteen countries in the region exchanged experiences and ideas and addressing a wide range of issues from intellectual property rights, working condition, promotion of film production to occupational health and safety. In their conclusions participants committed to step up cooperation among film workers union in the Asia Pacific region. The conclusions underline the endemic vulnerability experienced by film practitioners, and the need to develop policies to protect film workers. Intellectual property should belong to the creatives, be they writers, directors, camera crew, make-up artists and so on. This intellectual property is all too often completely surrendered to those with the capital means. The conclusion go on to affirm the organisations common view that protection and education is needed for those facing physical threats including unsafe practices and discrimination due to gender. Creating a safe and considerate equal opportunity environment is essential for a bright future. Families are important to us too and our workers should not be disadvantaged for wishing to bring more talented people into the world.



A evening session hosted by the Korean Film Workers Union focussed on the situation of Korean film industry with over 200 Film workers. Representatives from the Film Directors Guild and the government agencies for labour also attended and addressed the meeting. On behalf of UNI MEI affiliates, President Heinrich Bleicher-Nagelsmann issued a statement in support of their Korean colleagues calling on the government not to withdraw from the successful film policy of the last years, which enabled Korean film to flourish.