Coralie Fargeat and The Substance will not be attending the Camerimage festival in Poland. The director took the decision to withdraw her film, which won an award at the last Cannes Film Festival, after “highly misogynistic and offensive” remarks from the event’s director, she explained on X.
” The Substance deals precisely with the impact of this type of behavior in our world. We should no longer tolerate it,” says the director.
British director Steve McQueen cancels his appearance too
This decision comes after Camerimage organizer Marek Żydowicz published an opinion piece in the magazine Cinematography World. As reported in several media, including TéléramaIn his article, he seemed to suggest that a greater representation of female cinematographers and directors in the selection could lead to “mediocre cinematographic productions”. “Should we reject works of value just to ‘make room’ in the name of social change?” questioned the director of this festival, held since November 16 in the Polish town of Toruń.
Following these remarks, British director Steve McQueen also cancelled his appearance. He was due to receive an award. “After reading Marek Żydowicz’s editorial on women filmmakers, I decided not to attend the premiere of my film Blitz this weekend,” he told Variety. “Although he has apologized, I cannot get past what I consider deeply offensive words.”
After apologizing again, the festival director said he was open to discussion in order “to move forward together in a more open and inclusive way”. For her part, Cate Blanchett will remain at the head of this year’s jury. “We look forward to participating in meaningful discussions with our festival peers about greater inclusion and recognition of excellence in all its forms in our industry,” said the jury in a statement relayed by Variety.