As a seasoned film enthusiast and regular attendee of various international film festivals, I must say that my experience at Camerimage stands out among the rest. The unique atmosphere of this event, coupled with the city of Toruń, makes for an unparalleled cinematic adventure.
For years, I’ve been dreaming about attending Poland’s Energa Camerimage Film Festival, a paradise for cineastes like me. Founded 31 years ago with an emphasis on cinematography, this Toruń event has grown in size but never lost its essence as a pure, unadulterated celebration of filmmaking artistry. Here, the focus is on the skilled individuals behind the camera – DPs, directors, and production designers – rather than industry events or celebrities.
Camerimage director Kazimierz Suwała notes that one reason people repeatedly visit Poland for this festival is because it offers a unique space for discussing art, unlike typical trade shows or glamorous nightly events. He explains that the gathering primarily attracts cinematographers, who find it easier to connect and discuss filmmaking at Camerimage compared to their homes in places like Los Angeles. In essence, they see it as a neighborhood where filmmakers live side by side, making it more convenient to engage in meaningful conversations about their craft.
Not that this year’s festival will be without stars. Two-time Oscar winner Cate Blanchett will serve as the president of the festival’s main competition jury, Emmy-winning Shogun star Hiroyuki Sanada will receive a new award honoring excellence in TV, and iconic indie cinematographer Ed Lachman will get a lifetime achievement prize. The fest also will generate a widely watched industry moment by playing host to the world premiere of Rust, the Alec Baldwin-starring indie Western that resulted in the accidental on-set shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.
2024 finds Camerimage facing increased scrutiny over its lack of support for women cinematographers in the industry. In August, Women in Cinematography launched a petition urging the festival to take action to rectify this issue. However, instead of committing to improving gender representation, as other film festivals have done recently, Camerimage’s founder Marek Zydowicz wrote an editorial suggesting that pushing for greater female representation could negatively impact the artistic quality of the festival’s programming. This stance was met with swift criticism from the international film community, resulting in several cinematography guilds publicly condemning his remarks and Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen canceling his appearance at the opening-night screening of his latest film “Blitz.” Additionally, Coralie Fargeat pulled her film “The Substance,” starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, from the festival lineup.
In simpler terms, Żydowicz apologized and expressed his desire for open dialogue about fostering unity and inclusivity. On the other hand, Blanchett and her jury colleagues have chosen to continue their association with the festival, expressing an interest in discussing gender representation and being involved in significant conversations with fellow participants at the event.
As a fervent admirer, I’m excitedly looking forward to this year’s Camerimage festival, taking place from November 16th to the 23rd in the ancient, UNESCO-recognized Polish city of Toruń. In anticipation of the event, I had the privilege of conversing with Suwała, who is closely associated with Żydowicz, to gain insights into the vision for this year’s festival and the proactive measures they intend to implement in response to the recent controversy.
In the competition for Camerimage this year, at least two highly-regarded films – Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist and Sean Baker’s Anora – were captured on film. It seems younger filmmakers are increasingly adopting traditional formats. What are your thoughts on this resurgence?
It’s thrilling to observe more filmmakers returning to traditional filmmaking styles, as these classic formats still hold significant weight. They are just as effective as modern technologies we have today. Here at the festival, we consistently stress that all cinematic technology is merely tools or hues for an artist – whether it’s 35mm or AI-generated. Naturally, there’s concern about AI, with some fearing that it may eventually take over various aspects of filmmaking, such as directors of photography, actors, set designers, and so on. To address these concerns, we are planning to host a discussion at the festival about whether this technology marks the end or simply offers another tool for filmmakers to master their craft. Such dialogues have always been crucial components of our event.
As a gamer, I’d like to share some insights about the release of Rust. The reaction from international filmmakers has been quite diverse, with some praising it and others offering constructive criticism.
Absolutely, I understand the concerns about the divisive nature of the situation. Some people perceived it as a promotional move to screen the film that led to a tragic death. However, our intention behind this screening is straightforward and heartfelt. The film holds significant importance for Halyna, who had a deep affinity for this festival, having attended multiple times. Her friends shared with us that she expressed her desire to showcase this movie at Camerimage before the production of ‘Rust’ even started. Thus, the screening is primarily about realizing her dream of exhibiting her work here.
In light of the uproar caused by the editorial written by your founder in recent times, it appears reasonable to acknowledge that the festival may have been tardy in understanding the extent to which those words disheartened and upset numerous professionals within the industry. So, what’s next? What actions will the festival be taking to address this issue?
Indeed, it’s clear that change is essential for progress. To advance, our upcoming festival offers a prime opportunity to discuss and brainstorm methods to implement necessary changes, not only at our event but also within the film industry in general. Festivals play a crucial role, yet inclusivity should start from the project conception and continue throughout the entire filmmaking process. As our festival is approaching swiftly, we’re working diligently to organize an open seminar towards the end of the week, focusing on the future of film festivals with inclusivity and diversity as key themes.
“Can you share some tips that are usually helpful for newcomers who want to make the most of their experience at Camerimage and the city of Toruń?”
Immerse yourself in the vibe of the festival, catch as many movies as possible, and engage in lively conversations about them with the numerous people you’ll meet here. This festival is renowned for its ease in meeting and interacting with filmmakers. You’ll find filmmakers everywhere, whether it’s during screenings or at bars afterward. Take advantage of these encounters to build connections, and exchange thoughts on this beloved art form we all appreciate.
In the latest issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine, published on November 13th, an intriguing tale unfolded. If you’d like to stay updated and read more such stories, consider subscribing by clicking here. (As a gamer, I’m always eager to dive deeper into the world of entertainment news!)
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2024-11-16 12:25