Representatives of the Camerimage Film Festival and women’s and filmmakers’ organisations plan to meet on Thursday amidst controversy surrounding the annual festival currently taking place in Toruń, Poland.
The official invitation was extended by Camerimage and the Polish Society of Cinematographers. According to the invitation, obtained by Variety, it stated: “We would like to create a space to hear and share the experiences of voices represented by filmmakers’ organisations to better understand marginalised perspectives in relation to changes in the industry. We would like to provide the opportunity to express needs and expectations for the future of our industry.”
Approximately 60 organisations have been invited to send one or two representatives to the meeting. Spokespeople for these organisations told Variety they hope the meeting could be a positive step forward.
The meeting will be hosted by “safer creative process coordinator” Kasia Sustow and Polish cinematographer Piotr Śliskowski. It is not yet known whether Camerimage Festival Director Marek Żydowicz will be present.
Before the start of the 32nd Camerimage Festival, which began on Saturday in Toruń, Marek Żydowicz published an article in Cinematography World magazine that appeared to suggest that greater representation of female cinematographers and directors in the festival’s programme could result in the inclusion of “mediocre film productions.”
The article sparked accusations of misogyny and backlash from organisations including the British Society of Cinematographers, the American Society of Cinematographers, and the Women in Cinematography collective, which was formed in recent months and includes members from around the world.
Also read: 65th TiFF awards: Golden Alexander to Skandar Copti’s Happy Holidays
Source: ANA-MPA
