Apordoc and Doclisboa express their solidarity with the strike called for 17 October by the Sindicato dos Trabalhadores de Espectáculos, do Audiovisual e dos Músicos (CENA-STE). We recognise the legitimacy of the demands put forward and share the concerns raised. We believe that defending better working conditions, greater job security and effective recognition of cultural workers is inseparable from defending artistic creation, its diversity and autonomy, as well as everyone’s right to access and enjoy culture.

Doclisboa’s programme for 17 October was announced well in advance by the festival and its various partner and co-producing venues. Whether the scheduled events can take place will naturally depend on workers’ participation in the strike and the operating conditions that can be ensured at each venue. In this context, we cannot guarantee that all screenings and activities will proceed without disruption. The festival itself is made possible by workers who are directly affected by the precarious employment conditions, lack of investment and insufficient political attention that characterise our sector. We will endeavour to keep audiences informed of any changes, with transparency and respect for the works and filmmakers, as well as for the reasons behind this strike.