The Utopia Tel Aviv Film Festival, scheduled for Sept. 3-12, might be canceled this year. In an effort to save the festival devoted to science fiction and science films, some 200 film, science fiction and technology enthusiasts came together June 22 at the Tel Aviv Cinematheque. The festival founder, Uri Aviv, told Al-Monitor, "I have a high standard for what I would consider success, and usually, unless there are at least 2,000 people outside the doors, clamoring to get in, it isn't enough for me." Nonetheless, Aviv concedes that overall, it was a successful event that "charged people with positive energies." Despite the very existence of the festival being threatened because it has not received the public funds it needs for its production, Aviv is confident that the event will eventually take place. (The Ministry of Culture reportedly claimed that it is currently inspecting the management of the festival.)
The Utopia Film Festival was first held in 2005, and it has been attracting 10,000-15,000 visitors each year. About 100 films from around the world are generally screened, 30-40 of which are full-length feature films and the rest short films. Roughly 40 films are produced in Israel. At the same time, the festival covers a range of other areas and activities that give expression to the passion for technology and science, including lectures, computer games, literature, design and comics.
