The Mediterranean city of Barcelona, capital of Catalonia, was founded more than two thousand years ago. Located not far from France in the North-East of the Iberian Peninsula, its geographical position has favoured the passing and settlement of various different cultures. This has led to a diversity that can be observed by simply walking through the city, with its gothic quarter, its modernist Eixample, and its Gaudi architecture. All of these features have turned Barcelona into an important tourist destination and a great city to hold meetings and conferences.
Catalonia
Situated in the north-east of the Iberian peninsula, Catalonia covers an area of 32000 km2 and has 6 million inhabitants. History, language and a distinct cultural, political and legal tradition have shaped the personality of the country and the people. Nowadays Catalonia is an autonomous community within Spain with a government of its own, known as the Generalitat. Catalonia's own language is Catalan, a Romance language which has co-official status alongside Castilian (Spanish). Catalonia is a land of rich and varied scenery and has preserved a wealth of architectural heritage.
Transport
Barcelona is very well connected, both nationally and internationally. The airport is 7.5 miles away from the city and it is possible to get here easily by train, bus or taxi.
The high-speed train (AVE) connects Barcelona to Madrid and other Spanish cities. The TALGO train offers connections with Paris, Geneva and Milan.
The Congress is located in the historic centre of Barcelona, well connected by public transport with the rest of the city. The nearest metro stations are Liceu (L3) and Paral.lel (L2 L3).
Congress attendees must enquire in the Spanish consulates or embassies in their countries in relation to the requirements in each case. It is also possible to enquire via the web of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in relation to the regulations concerning visas:
Citizens of the European Union do not need a visa to enter Spain.
Climate
Spring is very pleasant in Barcelona. This Mediterranean city by the sea enjoys an average temperature of 17ºC.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro. Banks (open until 2 p.m.) offer an official exchange service, both at the airport and in the city. All kinds of credit cards are accepted in hotels and commercial establishments.
Logistics, food and beverages
The Filmoteca de Catalunya includes:
2 screening rooms, which shall host the sessions of the Congress.
Cinema library.
Exhibition hall.
Cafeteria and a bookstore.
The audio and video recording of the presentations is guaranteed by the organization.
Accomodation
Currently, Barcelona is a tourist destination which is in great demand. For this reason, we have made an advanced booking for rooms for congress attendees in hotels of different categories located at a distance of between 10 and 15 minutes on foot from the Filmoteca de Catalunya.
We attach the list of hotels and prices and we would ask you to make your bookings by contacting each hotel directly (don't forget to mention that you will be attending the FIAF congress).
This prices are subject to changes, but they could change dependending on the availability and the occupancy. For guest coming to the Film congress, we have created the discount code FILM with a 10% over these rates.
Translation
We will provide simultaneous translations into English, French and Spanish, the official FIAF languages.
