November 19th 2024.
Director Coralie Fargeat has made the decision to withdraw her film, The Substance, from the Camerimage Film Festival. The reason behind this move stems from the festival's director, Marek Żydowicz, who wrote a controversial column for Cinematography World magazine that has been deemed offensive and sexist by many.
In the column, Żydowicz seems to suggest that striving for inclusivity in the film industry will result in a decline in the quality of films and diminish the recognition of talented artists. He asks, "Should we reject what is esteemed and valuable just to 'make space' for the necessity of social change?" This statement immediately sparked backlash from individuals and organizations, such as the British Society of Cinematographers, who wrote an open letter expressing their disappointment and anger towards Żydowicz's comments.
Żydowicz has since clarified that his intention was not to disrespect female filmmakers and that Camerimage has a diversity and inclusion policy in place. However, Women in Cinematography, a group advocating for gender equality in the industry, has published a list of acclaimed films shot by female cinematographers that have been historically excluded from the festival. This further highlights the gender disparity issues within the festival, with only 3.1% of films selected for the main competition being shot by women in the past 30 years.
In light of these revelations, Fargeat has decided to remove her film from the festival. In a statement, she expressed her disappointment in Żydowicz's "highly misogynistic and offensive words" and the need for change in the industry. The Substance, which premiered at Cannes this year and received praise for its screenplay, tackles themes of ageism and the exploitation of women's bodies and voices. It is a poignant commentary on society's treatment of women, making it a stark contrast to Żydowicz's problematic views.
This decision has caused a stir in the industry and has shed light on the deep-rooted prejudice that exists. It also serves as a reminder that change is necessary and overdue. As Fargeat stated, "We shouldn't tolerate these behaviors anymore." The Substance may not be showcased at the festival, but its message and impact will continue to resonate.
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