The International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) held its 2026 General Assembly in Budapest on September 17, bringing together 22 delegates representing national sections and the Federation’s Board for a full day of discussion, decisions, and exchange.
For the third consecutive year, the General Assembly took place during the Budapest Classics Film Marathon, continuing a partnership that has made the Hungarian capital an important annual meeting point for the Federation.
The Assembly opened with welcoming remarks by György Ráduly, Artistic Director of the Budapest Classics Film Marathon, and Ahmed Shawky, President of FIPRESCI, before moving into an intensive working agenda.
Throughout the day, delegates reviewed the Federation’s activities and finances over the past year and discussed priorities for its continued development. Among the central topics were FIPRESCI’s international jury work and revised Prize regulations, editorial activities and new approaches to encouraging contributions from members, membership development, the Federation’s archive, educational and thematic initiatives, and possibilities for strengthening cooperation both within FIPRESCI and with international cultural partners.
Particular attention was given to communication and exchange across the Federation’s international network. Delegates discussed ways of giving greater visibility to challenges facing film culture and criticism in different countries, while encouraging national sections and individual members to share their initiatives, experience, and opportunities more actively through FIPRESCI’s editorial and communication channels.
Several proposals submitted by national sections also opened discussions about the future development of existing FIPRESCI initiatives and potential new areas of activity. The Assembly reaffirmed the importance of maintaining an organization that is both internationally connected and responsive to the changing realities of film criticism and film culture.
The meeting was hosted within the 9th Budapest Classics Film Marathon, organized by the National Film Institute Hungary from September 15–20. Dedicated to restored classics and the preservation and rediscovery of film heritage, the festival brings Hungarian and international film history back to cinemas across Budapest, combining screenings with professional and educational programs.
FIPRESCI warmly thanks the Budapest Classics Film Marathon and the National Film Institute Hungary for once again welcoming the Federation and providing a home for this important annual gathering.
After six hours of concentrated work, plenty of discussion, and voices arriving in Budapest from across Europe and well beyond, the 2026 General Assembly closed with something equally important: renewed connections between colleagues and plenty of work to take back home.
Until we meet again!
©FIPRESCI 2026
