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Bylaws of the Swiss Genre Film Alliance (SGFA) Association

Thriller, fantasy, horror, comedy, science fiction, action-adventure… for a diverse cinematic landscape in Switzerland.

 Article 1 – Name and Registered Office

Under the name "Swiss Genre Film Alliance" (SGFA), an association is established in accordance with Articles 60 et seq. of the Swiss Civil Code.

The registered office of the association is located in Nyon.

Its duration is unlimited.

Article 2 – Purpose

The SGFA aims to:

  1. Promote and support the creation, production, and distribution of genre films in Switzerland (thriller, fantasy, horror, science fiction, comedy, action-adventure).
  2. Defend the diversity of Swiss cinema by promoting genre cinema as an essential component of both national and international culture.
  3. Represent the interests of genre filmmakers before public institutions, funding bodies, broadcasters, and private partners.
  4. Create a professional network among filmmakers, technicians, producers, and partners involved in genre cinema.
  5. Raise public and media awareness of Swiss genre cinema through events, screenings, workshops, publications, and campaigns.

The association is non-profit and pursues exclusively goals of cultural interest.

Article 3 – Resources

To achieve its goals, the association notably uses:

  • Membership fees (CHF 20 per year).
  • Public or private grants, support, and financial aid.
  • Donations, bequests, and sponsorship.
  • Revenue from events, festivals, screenings, workshops, or publications.

Article 4 – Members

The association is composed of:

  • Active members: filmmakers, directors, screenwriters, technicians, producers, and any individual or organization contributing to genre cinema. Members must be Swiss nationals or residents of Switzerland.
  • Associate members: supporters, partners, or institutions wishing to support the goals of the association.
  • Honorary members: individuals or legal entities designated by the general assembly for their outstanding contribution to genre cinema.

The admission of new members is decided by the committee.

Article 5 – Rights and Obligations of Members

  • Each active member has one vote at the general assembly.
  • Associate and honorary members have an advisory (non-voting) voice.
  • Members commit to respecting these bylaws and to paying an annual membership fee set by the general assembly.

Article 6 – Loss of Membership

Membership is lost through:

  • Written resignation submitted to the committee.
  • Exclusion decided by the committee for valid reasons (e.g. non-payment of membership fees, serious harm to the goals or image of the association).
  • Death or dissolution (for legal entities).

The excluded member may appeal to the next general assembly.

Article 7 – Bodies of the Association

The bodies of the association are:

  1. The General Assembly.
  2. The Committee.

Article 8 – The General Assembly

The General Assembly is the supreme body of the association.

It meets at least once a year in an ordinary session. Extraordinary sessions may be convened at the request of the committee or at least one fifth of the members.

Its responsibilities include, in particular:

  • Adoption and amendment of the bylaws.
  • Election and dismissal of the members of the committee and the audit body.
  • Approval of activity reports, financial statements, and the budget.
  • Determination of the annual membership fee.
  • Decision on the strategic direction of the association.
  • Possible dissolution of the association.

Decisions are made by a simple majority of the members present.

Article 9 – The Committee

The committee is composed of up to 9 members elected for a one-year term, renewable.

It is responsible for the day-to-day management and represents the association in dealings with third parties.

Its responsibilities include:

  • The implementation of the decisions of the general assembly.
  • Financial and administrative management.
  • Admission and exclusion of members.
  • Preparation of general assemblies.

The association is validly bound by the joint signature of two members of the committee.

The committee meets once a month, either in person or via videoconference.

Members may attend the committee sessions if they wish.

Article 10 – Resources and Liability

The resources of the association include:

  • Membership fees.
  • Public and private grants.
  • Donations, patronage, legacies, and sponsorship.
  • Income from activities and events.

Only the assets of the association are liable for its commitments.

The members are not personally liable.

Article 11 – Dissolution

The dissolution of the association may be decided by the general assembly with a two-thirds majority of the votes present.

In the event of dissolution, the net assets shall be transferred to an institution pursuing a similar purpose or of public utility in Switzerland. Under no circumstances may they revert to the members.

Article 12 – Entry into Force

These bylaws were adopted at the constitutive assembly held in Geneva on 10.09.2025 and enter into force immediately.

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