English Section

Director of 'The Substance' explains film's withdrawal from Polish Camerimage festival

19.11.2024 17:40
Tuesday, November 19, marks the third day of the competition for the Golden Frog, the main award at the EnergaCamerimage International Film Festival in Toruń, located 200 kilometers north of Warsaw.
Director Coralie Fargeat pulls her film The Substance from the Camerimage Film Festival in response to comments by festival director Marek Żydowicz, who suggested that diversity efforts might result in mediocre film choices.
Director Coralie Fargeat pulls her film "The Substance" from the Camerimage Film Festival in response to comments by festival director Marek Żydowicz, who suggested that diversity efforts might result in "mediocre" film choices.Screenshot from the film "The Substance" (2024)

"I can't let myself get insulted and do nothing. I think it's time that our actions change when those type of behaviors happen," director Coralie Fargeat explained in a comment to the American magazine Variety, justifying her decision to withdraw her film The Substance from the festival in Poland.

Her decision came in response to comments made by the festival's director, Marek Żydowicz, about quotas and diversity in the film industry, which she deemed "offensive and misogynistic."

Fargeat expressed her desire to move past mere discussions about diversity and focus on real, tangible changes. She stated that she is frustrated with the ongoing conversation and wants to see actual progress.

The director consulted with the film's cinematographer, who supported her stance, noting that changes are necessary.

In response, Żydowicz published an open letter expressing concerns that the pursuit of change in the film industry could lead to sacrificing quality for "mediocre productions," a viewpoint that was met with criticism, including from the British Society of Cinematographers.

Source: X/@Variety

(m p)

Read more about this subject: