The State of Cinema Today
The French actress Isabelle Ober, head of the main jury at the Venice Film Festival, recently expressed her concerns about the current state of the film industry. She acknowledged that the industry has weakened in recent years and that its future is uncertain. Ober emphasized the importance of preserving cinema, stating that it is crucial for all those involved in the industry to ensure its continuation.
The Impact of the Pandemic on Cinema
The Venice Film Festival, which runs for 11 days, brings together filmmakers from around the world, providing them with a platform to showcase their work. However, behind the glamour of the red carpet, there are concerns about the long-term effects of the pandemic on the industry. The pandemic has led to a decline in box office sales, with the global box office fund estimated to have generated around $34 billion in 2023, a 30.5% increase from 2022 but still 15% less than the average annual turnover between 2017 and 2019.
The Importance of Film Festivals
Ober highlighted the significance of film festivals like Venice, stating that they are more necessary now than ever before. These festivals provide a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, and for the industry to come together and discuss the challenges it faces. Ober, who has participated in over 120 films and won the award for best actress twice at the Venice Festival, emphasized the importance of preserving the art of filmmaking.
A Call to Action
Ober’s goal is to ensure that cinema continues to thrive for as long as possible. She emphasized that making a film requires courage, creativity, and unity, and that it is essential for the industry to come together to support and promote filmmaking. As the head of the main jury at the Venice Film Festival, Ober is committed to promoting and preserving the art of cinema, and she encourages others to do the same.
The Future of Cinema
The future of cinema is uncertain, but with the support of film festivals like Venice and the dedication of industry professionals like Ober, there is hope for the industry to recover and thrive. As Ober stated, "It is important for all of us that the cinema will continue as possible." With the right support and promotion, cinema can continue to be a vibrant and dynamic art form, bringing people together and inspiring new generations of filmmakers.
