I’m really sad to be the bearer of bad news but the much awaited Anifest India ’09 is being postponed. In an emergency meeting called late last night, the TASI Managing Committee took the difficult call on whether or not to have the event as planned – due to the large number of participants coming to Mumbai for the 4 day festival in the midst of the current Swine Flu scare. Keeping everyone’s best interests in mind, it was unanimously decided that Anifest India be postponed till the situation gets better. Here is TASI’s official press release:
10th August, 2009
Important announcement from TASI Managing Committee
Friends,
As all of you are aware, for the past 4 months we have been working overtime to organize this annual festival. The pre-selection jury was working from 10.00 am on Saturday, Aug 8th till 3.00 am, Sunday morning (over 17 hours!) to select films for screening and voting at the festival. The entire operations machinery is at present geared to conduct this festival successfully and all arrangements are in place. Everyone has given more than 100% to ensure that we have a rocking Anifest India 2009.
Today we are unfortunately forced to POSTPONE the festival till further notice for the following reason:
You may be aware that India and more specifically the city of Pune, is grappling with the outbreak and spread of the highly contagious H1N1 virus, more commonly known as Swine Flu. Efforts are on to contain its influence and spread. Schools in Pune have been declared closed for the next 1 week. In Mumbai, as per news reports, 2 schools have declared holidays for the next 8 days. There are advisories to avoid public places and large gatherings so that this menace can be controlled quickly.
Anifest India has received 1500+ confirmed registrations and a LARGE number of people are traveling from out of Mumbai for this festival. Under the present circumstances, as a responsible organization we have taken a decision to avoid gathering such a large crowd in close proximity to each other for 4 days under one roof. We know that this will mean substantial financial losses to the Society since a large part of the organizational expenses have already been incurred but these are inconsequential compared to Public health and safety which is far more important than any disappointment or monetary loss. We are all extremely frustrated that we have had to make this call since so much of hard work has gone into the organization of the fest BUT we believe that going ahead with the event under these circumstances is not at all advisable.
We trust that this extremely difficult decision will be supported and appreciated by all. TASI promises to bring the festival back on as soon as the conditions on the ground improve. This is our commitment to our community.
This decision by TASI is in General Public Interest. Please do not create panic and spread rumors. You are advised to keep yourself updated of the latest developments from official Government sources and news channels.
Our best wishes to all our friends in Pune and everywhere else in the country. Please take all necessary precautions as advised by the Government.
Please watch this space for updates and further news.
TASI Managing Committee
That’s so sad. We were all so excited, but at the same time we do understand. Appreciate the effort by TASI.