The Challenges of Filmmaking in a Polarized World
The film industry is facing numerous challenges in navigating a polarized political landscape. Distributors, festival directors, and filmmakers are all struggling to find their place in a world where political controversy can often overshadow the art of filmmaking. At the recent Zurich Film Festival industry summit, these challenges were discussed at length.
The Reality of Dealing with Legal Media Attacks
Distributors spoke about the reality of dealing with legal media attacks, which can be a major obstacle in getting films to audiences. Festival directors also found that political controversy often drowns out discussions about new films at their events. Filmmakers, on the other hand, are finding it difficult to secure distribution for contemporary political documentaries.
The Importance of Taking a Stand
According to Karmitz, films are no longer receiving the same level of reporting in the traditional press as they once did. Karmitz believes that companies must take a position and defend themselves without fear of consequences. "The audience is fragmented, so you have to take a position," he said. "You have to position your company without fear of the consequence, because otherwise you are nowhere."
The Threat to Culture and Cinema
Karmitz also referred to the recent attempt by right-wing politicians in France to reduce the financing organization CNC and privatize public radio operators. "This is a very fragile ecosystem," he said. "It is attacked everywhere because these are the first steps for illiberal systems." Despite this, Karmitz remains optimistic, believing that people, companies, and artists will stand up and defend themselves.
Documentary Dilemma
The challenge of financing and securing buyers for political documentaries was also discussed. Kathleen Fournier, producer of Eugene Jarecki’s documentary "The Six Billion Dollar Man," spoke about the difficulties of finding a US buyer for her film, despite it winning a special jury prize in Cannes. Fournier noted that many political documentaries are not making the jump to streaming platforms, and instead, historical, true crime, or personal stories are dominating the space.
The Struggle to Find Distribution
Fournier’s film, which explores the story of Julian Assange, has not yet found a US buyer. "We danced and talked to many partners," she said. "People love the film, but it’s a difficult film." Other films, such as the winner of the Venice Grand Jury "The Voice of the Hind Rajab," have also struggled to find a big US distributor.
A Glimmer of Hope
However, Fournier expressed some optimism, noting that there are smaller, boutique cinema sales companies that are willing to take on more challenging films. "The theater distribution changes," she said. "There are some really agile, wonderful, smaller, boutique cinema sales companies that only run with it."
Festival Controversies
Festival directors also outlined some of the political headwinds they are facing. Christian Jungen, director of the Zurich Film Festival, remembered a recent incident where he had to pull a documentary from the festival due to security concerns. "On the day it would have shown in Zurich, I had threats to murder," he said. "I went around with personal certainty. We had to pull it from the screens."
Navigating Polarized Politics
Cameron Bailey, CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, noted that festivals exist in a polarized world and must navigate these challenges. "Current political conflicts will inevitably influence what happens at film festivals because we take part in the overall climate," he said. Documentaries about current conflicts, such as Ukraine or Gaza, are often "hot buttons" and can be threatened or controversial.
Protecting Free Expression
Bailey emphasized the importance of protecting the space for free expression at film festivals. "We are here to provide a platform for artists to express themselves and for audiences to engage with their work," he said. Tricia Tuttle, director of the Berlin Film Festival, agreed, noting that festivals must prepare for controversy and be willing to have difficult conversations.
Finding a Balance
Tuttle added that while politics can be a major part of film festivals, they must not overshadow the main task of presenting new films and discussing them. "In the past five years, the political and news agenda has taken over film festivals quite often throughout the broadcast, and the films do not cut through," she said. Festivals must find a balance between politics and cinema, and provide a space for both difficult conversations and artistic expression.
