Intimidation, Innovation. Intimidation, Innovation. And too many layoffs, too.
NonStack 4 FilmStack #9
1
How are festivals to deal with “political” situations?
I am a big fan of the letter filmmakers generated and signed in support of Tricia Tuttle, head of the Berlinale. I am a big fan Tricia Tuttle’s too. I first read about the letter, and why it was needed, in Screen International here. To me it speaks of ALL festivals needing to proclaim their space as a “place of exchange” and not to bow to intimidation tactics. If you agree, please also sign it here.
Open Letter on the Future of the Berlinale
As filmmakers in Germany and beyond, we are following the current debates surrounding the Berlinale and the proposed dismissal of Tricia Tuttle with deep concern. We stand in defense of the Berlinale for what it fundamentally is: a place of exchange.
The Berlinale is more than a red carpet or a series of headlines. It is a space where perspectives intersect, narratives are questioned, and social tensions are brought into view. This is where discourse unfolds – at the very heart of cinema.
Recent criticism has focused on statements made from the stage. None of these remarks were made by the festival leadership itself, but by invited filmmakers. An international film festival is not a diplomatic instrument; it is a democratic cultural space worthy of protection. Its strength lies in its ability to hold divergent perspectives and to give visibility to a plurality of voices.
A photograph of the festival leadership with filmmakers, in which a Palestinian flag was visible, has likewise been subject to criticism. Being photographed with international guests is part of the practice of such a festival. The visibility of different identities is not an endorsement; it is an expression of an open and democratic public sphere.
When personnel consequences are drawn from individual statements or symbolic interpretations, a troubling signal is sent: cultural institutions come under political pressure.
If an extraordinary meeting is convened to decide the future of the festival’s leadership, more is at stake than a single appointment. What is at issue is the relationship between artistic freedom and institutional independence.
The Berlinale has always been political — not party-political, but socially engaged. Film makes conflicts visible, opens up perspectives, and renders experiences of injustice and violence tangible. Cinema raises moral questions and asks us to endure ambiguity rather than resolve it prematurely. It illuminates power structures and gives visibility to experiences of oppression — not to deliver simple answers, but to enable meaningful public debate. That is precisely where its democratic value resides.
Especially in times of global crisis, we need spaces capable of sustaining disagreement. The independence of cultural institutions safeguards not only artistic freedom, but the vitality of democratic discourse itself.
If every controversy leads to institutional repercussions, discourse gives way to control.
We stand for a culture of exchange, not intimidation.
Where diversity remains visible, democracy remains alive.
The entire staff of the festival has subsequently also come out in support of Tricia Tuttle.
(TH)
2
Do all distributors need to have a virtual component to their releases now?
And how about a go-to virtual destination? I am confident that Utopia is onto something. As Indiewire announced they’ve become the first distributor with their own Patreon channel. I like this idea and you should read all about it.
https://www.indiewire.com/news/business/utopia-membership-patreon-screening-room-1235178081
(TH)
3
The Sony Hack was due to the fact that the big boss just wanted to fit in with the George, Brad, & Seth?
Wait. We should all let the bullies win? That’s the lesson here? Back down to dictators? Seems to be. Even Obama says “don’t kick the hornet’s nest”? How about instead we all learn how to take a joke? Hmmm….
Read it here.
(TH)
4
Massive layoffs are a regular thing now
They hurt. And they shouldn’t be a given. How can you work anywhere now and have confidence you actually get things done?
Vimeo eliminates majority of staff 4 months after a $1.38B acquisition
Amazon lays off 16,000 jobs the same week it opens the $40M “doc” / $23M bribe
(TH)
5
Want an alternative Film Festival Submission Platform?
I came across this great graphic on LinkedIn thanks to Stephen Follows’ share. I am constantly amazed how filmmakers after having the success of getting in to one of the top festivals don’t have a plan for what happens next.
Just following what others in similar shoes do is not such a bad strategy. The chart above shows what % of the films in Berlin go to one of the other festivals next.
I didn’t know anything about Miralot, and lo and behold…
I’d love to hear what anyone who has used them has to say about them. Please leave a comment below.
(TH)
Who’s sharing what, you ask?
ARB= Alex Rollins Berg AS= Amanda Sweikow Avi= Avi Setton CR= Courtney Romano SS= Sara's Soliloquies TH= Ted Hope
And please remember:
Need to get in touch with FSDD? Our inbox is open!
Email us general info, questions, suggestions: filmstackdailydigest@gmail.com
Email us events for the weekly calendar update: filmstackcalendar@gmail.com