Women in the film: Dialogue for the diversity of the Camerimage Festival in Torun

Women in the film: Dialogue for the diversity of the Camerimage Festival in Torun

In a significant meeting, around 55 delegates from various women's and cameramen organizations were recently met worldwide with representatives of Energacamemage. The meeting took place on Thursday in Torun, Poland, and was described as a private forum to exchange opinions and ideas. The focus was on the promotion of diversity, inclusion and representation at the renowned annual film festival for cinematography.

This discussion had become necessary after this year's event was overshadowed by controversy. In particular, a column of the festival director Marek Zydowicz, which was published about a week before the opening ceremony in the magazine Cinematography World, caused excitement. In this article, Zydowicz expressed concerns that an increased representation of female cameramen and directors could possibly lead to a selection of "Medioker filmic productions".

reactions to the controversy

These comments led to renowned filmmakers like Steve McQueen withdrawing their participation in the opening gala. McQueen had his presence whispered in the screening of his film "Blitz", while Coralie Fargeeat canceled her participation with the film "The Substance". The comments caused a wave of reactions from different women and camera and camera facilities.

The groups included in the meeting were the American Society of Cinematographer, the British Society of Cinematographer and the Women in Cinematography, a newly founded association. Invitations to this exchange were pronounced by the Camerimage and the Polish Society of Cameramen, but Zydowicz was not among the representatives present.

The topic of diversity and inclusion was already a discussion point before the publication of Zydowicz 'Column. In August last year, Women started a petition in Cinematography on Change.org, which calls Camerimage to make greater efforts towards equal opportunities for cameramen. This petition has now collected almost 4,000 signatures. In addition, the group organized several sessions that take place at the Camerimage Festival this week and which were planned in advance.

In a panel discussion on Tuesday, on which Cate Blanchett, President of the main jury, and the camera woman Mandy Walker took part, the focus of diversity and inclusion focuses on. An estimated 4,400 participants are expected at the 32nd edition of Camerimage, which runs until November 23.

This meeting and the previous events illustrate urgency to promote diversity and to create structures within the film industry. Additional information on this topic can be found on uk.newS.yahoo.com .