UPDATE: Steve McQueen has decided to cancel his planned appearance at Cameraimage in protest of Żydowicz’s controversial comments. “Blitz” is supposed to be the opening night film of the 32nd edition (via THR).
EARLIER: Firstly, some context. Cameraimage is the preeminent and most prestigious film festival for cinematographers in the world, there’s no other event that comes close to it.
With that said, there’s now industry backlash aimed towards Camerimage director Marek Żydowicz’s op-ed in Cinematography World. He writes about the growing number of women cinematographers and directors, and comments: “Can we sacrifice works and artists with outstanding artistic achievements solely to make room for mediocre productions?”.
He adds, “While EnergaCamerimage strives to acknowledge the contributions of women in cinematography, it also aims to maintain artistic integrity. Change? Yes, but let’s remain decent and honest. It’s about rapid evolution, not a fanatical revolution that destroys the cathedrals of art and throws out its sculptures and paintings.”
The British Society of Cinematographers has described Żydowicz’s op-ed as ”misogynistic” and “aggressive” in tone. This has been supported by the American Society of Cinematographers.
Żydowicz replied to BSC, saying, “the accusations made against me in the statement published on BSC website are entirely misplaced and quite offensive,” and, “I am very sorry that BSC misinterpreted my comments”.
Żydowicz’s comments should not come as much of a surprise. Europe has been far less willing to adapt to U.S. and U.K. cultural progressivsm, which has led to Venice and Cannes getting heat from American and British-based journos for not being inclusive enough to female filmmakers.
Sure, the quality of one’s work still matters in the U.S. and U.K, but at times, it takes a backseat for the greater good of inclusivity. What Żydowicz seems to be saying is that, of course, it is important to progress and have inclusion in the industry, but it should never be done in forced-upon fashion. Progression happens in baby steps, not by painstakingly revving up the quotas, sacrificing quality in the process.
There seems to be a total lack of patience for progress, many people want the change to happen NOW, but in art, it can never be achieved at the flick of a switch. I see nothing wrong in what Żydowicz is saying.