Camerimage Plagued by Controversy After Festival Director Says Greater Representation of Female Cinematographers Could Lead to Mediocrity

variety.com:

Rust.” The demands are a response to a heated dispute over a column by Marek Żydowicz, the festival director, in Cinematography World magazine, that provoked allegations of misogyny.

In the column, Żydowicz seemed to suggest that the selection in the program of more female cinematographers and directors could lead to the inclusion of “mediocre film productions” at the expense of “works and artists with outstanding artistic achievements.” He posed the question: “Should we reject what is esteemed and valuable just to ‘make space’ for the necessity of social change?” He went on to argue: “Whilst festivals like Cannes, Berlin or Venice are criticized for their selections due to succumbing to or promoting [political or ideological trends], Camerimage remains committed to artistic values as the foremost criterion for qualifying and promoting film art.” His column triggered an angry response from the British Society of Cinematographers, which wrote in an open letter to Żydowicz: “We are disheartened and angered by your profoundly misogynistic comments and aggressive tone, which we view as symptomatic of a deep-rooted prejudice.

A film festival dedicated to the support and encouragement of cinematography and its practitioners deserves better.” In a response to the BSC letter, Żydowicz, in turn, stated that the accusations are “entirely misplaced and quite offensive.” He added: “Respect for others has always been my priority, and it remains one for our festival as well.” He continued: “We have always strived to showcase only the best of contemporary cinema, regardless of who creates it.

And that is how my statement should be understood, there is nothing more to it, it has nothing to do with lack of respect for women.” He.