The guiding principle of the Stockfish Film & Industry Festival in Reykjavík is that film art and culture are not the privilege of a few but the right of all.
Stockfish’s accessibility policy is an adaptation, used with permission, of a similar policy from the Reykjavík Arts Festival.
Accessibility and inclusion will not be separated from any aspect of Stockfish’s operations but are interwoven with it, influencing everything from staff recruitment to marketing and promotional activities, artistic programming, the execution of the festival itself, and its documentation.
Language is constantly evolving, and word and concept usage quickly becomes outdated. This policy and action plan is a living document, subject to regular review to best reflect contemporary societal norms and ensure all societal groups receive the respect they deserve.

Accessibility

Accessibility means that all societal groups have easy access to the festival, can participate fully as both artists and guests, and can enjoy Stockfish events on their own terms. Accessibility involves removing physical, financial, social, and cultural barriers.
The policy refers to accessibility in a broad sense. This includes, but is not limited to:
* accessibility for disabled people
* accessibility for people of diverse backgrounds and skin color (PoC)
* accessibility for people regardless of economic status
* accessibility for people regardless of gender, gender identity, gender characteristics, and sexual orientation
* accessibility for people regardless of residence
* accessibility for people of all ages

Inclusion

Inclusion involves recognizing and respecting the diversity of human life and accommodating it in all festival activities, including targeted support and specific information provision for those who need it. Stockfish stands for equality and equity, and at Stockfish, all people are accepted as they are. At the festival, everyone is encouraged to participate actively, and emphasis is placed on the festival reaching out to marginalized groups.

Program Selection and Curation

A call for projects and Icelandic short films is advertised through an open call for each festival.
The open call ensures a more diverse selection of projects and gives filmmakers from different backgrounds the opportunity to present their projects to the management. However, international films are selected by a special programming committee, with the aim of offering a selection of artistic films that have attracted attention at international film festivals in recent years.
The wording and application process of the open call are clear and emphasize that everyone is welcome to apply.
The open call is communicated through various channels, in more than one language.
Diverse groups are involved in programming.
With more involvement in the festival’s programming, especially from marginalized groups, perspectives broaden and diversity increases. When it comes to issues affecting marginalized groups, Stockfish operates according to the principle of “nothing about us without us.”
Diverse groups have direct involvement in the festival’s programming.
The Artistic Director seeks advice from representatives of diverse groups, including marginalized groups. Such consultations are compensated.
A strong family program is featured at each festival.
Children and young people have the right to access first-class cultural events specifically designed for them.
Each festival features a selection of events specifically aimed at children and young people.
Free admission is offered to a portion of family events at each festival.
Filmmakers participating in the Stockfish program reflect the diversity of humanity.
The visibility of diverse groups in films enriches the cultural landscape, challenges stereotypes, and creates a more just society.
Attention is paid to the gender balance of artists at the festival.
Attention is paid to the visibility of disabled people, LGBTQ+ individuals, various genders, people of color (PoC), immigrants, and other marginalized groups at the festival’s events.
Stockfish reaches out into the community.
Not all societal groups have the opportunity to attend cultural events in the capital and/or in traditional event spaces. Stockfish undertakes specific actions to reach these groups, including direct streaming from panels and a streaming service with access to films on the festival’s website.
Stockfish’s ambitious program reflects the diversity of human life at any given time and takes into account the varying needs of filmmakers and audience groups.

Festival Execution

Accessibility in a broad sense is always considered during the execution of events.
Those who wish should be able to enjoy Stockfish events, and the festival staff strives to consider the diverse needs of audience groups and artists.
Stockfish event venues are always chosen with accessibility for people with reduced mobility in mind. For example, it is unacceptable for disabled guests to only have access through side or back entrances, or for disabled artists to be unable to use backstage facilities or access the stage.
Special consideration is given to the needs of neurodivergent individuals at selected events, including by offering sensory-friendly screenings and providing necessary advance information about the content and format of events. This information will be developed in consultation with advocacy organizations for neurodivergent people.
At larger events, Stockfish staff are present, clearly marked, who can provide guests with assistance and information as needed.
Interpretation and subtitling are provided at as many festival events as possible.
Language proficiency should not be a barrier to enjoying Stockfish events.
Each festival includes sign language interpretation at the opening ceremony as well as at selected events.
Events in foreign languages are subtitled in English or Icelandic where feasible.
Audio descriptions are offered at selected screenings at the festival.
A large part of the Stockfish program is free of charge, thus accessible to lower-income groups. Ticket prices are generally kept moderate.
People’s economic status should not prevent them from enjoying Stockfish events.
At least a quarter of the events on Stockfish’s main program are free of charge.
Each festival includes a portion of the family program for free.
Invitation lists are kept to a minimum at Stockfish, and complimentary tickets or last-minute discounts are never offered to professionals to fill empty seats. This is done to ensure equity.
Festival ticket prices are generally kept moderate. When it is unavoidable to have high ticket prices, a certain proportion of tickets shall always be offered at a significantly lower price.
Stockfish seeks partnerships with companies to subsidize tickets for those in need.

 Stockfish’s Program Targets Diverse Groups

In a diverse program, most people should be able to find something suitable at the festival. It is important that promotion of events reaches the right groups.
Promotion of the full Stockfish program is available in Icelandic, easy-to-understand Icelandic, and English in the festival’s brochure and website.
During the design of the festival’s website, accessibility is prioritized, both in terms of information dissemination and appearance.
Wording in all promotional material is inclusive and kept as gender-neutral as possible.
Clear information about accessibility at event venues is disseminated in the festival’s printed promotional material as well as on its website.
Information about public transport to event venues is clearly communicated in printed promotional material and online.
The family program is specifically highlighted in the festival’s promotion and communicated where it is likely to reach its target audience.
Information about free events at Stockfish is disseminated in public spaces, libraries, and elsewhere to reach a broad audience.
Methods will be developed to promote festival events to groups with immigrant backgrounds and other marginalized groups. A network of contacts will be established within selected groups to collaborate with the festival on information dissemination.

Stockfish Puts Accessibility and Inclusion on the Agenda

Through active dialogue about accessibility and inclusion at the festival itself and in collaboration with other cultural institutions, artists, and relevant groups, Stockfish can have a positive impact far beyond the festival itself.
Stockfish puts accessibility and inclusion on the festival’s agenda, including through specific events and media coverage.
Stockfish prioritizes accessibility and inclusion from the very beginning of discussions with partner organizations and artists. The festival thus encourages partners to adhere to its commitments in these matters and supports them in achieving these goals.
Documentation of Stockfish resources is handled by a diverse group.
Photography, copywriting, and other festival documentation always reflect a certain perspective. It is important to ensure that the group involved is not too homogenous and that diverse methods are used to document the festival’s history.
Diverse individuals are engaged to handle photography and other festival documentation to ensure varied perspectives.
Accessibility and inclusion serve as guiding principles throughout all Stockfish operations. Artists, audiences, and partners are met on their own terms, and every effort is made to ensure everyone can thrive.

Internal Operations

During staff recruitment, emphasis is placed on assembling a team that reflects the diversity of humanity to the greatest extent possible.
A diverse team offers broader perspectives and is more likely to achieve success.
All positions at Stockfish are advertised as open for application when applicable.
The wording of job advertisements is inclusive and designed to appeal to a broad group. Evaluation criteria also take into account the diversity of applicants.
Positions are advertised through appropriate channels at any given time to cast the widest net possible and reach beyond traditional segments of the arts and culture scene.
Staff receive support to adhere to the policy on accessibility and inclusion.
To meet the expectations and needs of guests, it is important that staff possess relevant knowledge and skills.
An Accessibility Officer is appointed from the staff for each festival.
The most qualified individual from the festival’s team takes on the role of Accessibility Officer.
The Officer reviews accessibility at each event venue, identifies potential challenges, and seeks ways to address them.
In collaboration with other project managers, the Officer gathers information about the needs of filmmakers and finds ways to meet them.
The Accessibility Officer oversees the development and review of checklists that project managers use to assess projects and the needs of artists and guests from an accessibility perspective. A special checklist will be developed in collaboration with the Marketing Manager for how and which accessibility information is communicated on the website and in promotional material.
Staff can specifically consult the Officer and receive appropriate advice as needed.
Stockfish’s policy on bullying and harassment is reviewed before each festival with accessibility and inclusion in mind and presented to staff when they begin their work.
Stockfish is a healthy workplace where bullying, sexual/gender-based harassment, violence, or other inappropriate behavior towards staff is not tolerated.
Priority will be given to finding office space for Stockfish where accessibility is exemplary.
Stockfish staff is a diverse group that is well-informed about accessibility and inclusion and works in conditions suitable for each individual. All who work at Stockfish are valued for their merits and are listened to.
The policy is reviewed and updated annually.