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Coralie Fargeat, the director of The Substance, has withdrawn her film, featuring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, from the 2024 Camerimage Film Festival. She cited “highly misogynistic and offensive” remarks made by festival CEO Marek Zydowicz as the reason for her decision.

Fargeat shared her decision via a statement on X, noting that the film’s cinematographer, Benjamin Kracun, has also chosen not to participate in this year’s Camerimage event, which kicks off Saturday in Poland.

“The Substance addresses the consequences of such behaviors in our society. We must not accept them any longer. We extend our support to everyone involved in the festival and hope this decision prompts the necessary change,” Fargeat and Kracun expressed in their joint statement.

Controversy arose when festival founder and CEO Marek Zydowicz made remarks in an editorial last week about the festival’s historical lack of female cinematographers in its selections. In his column, Zydowicz appeared to suggest that increasing female representation might compromise the artistic quality of the lineup.

“The film industry is experiencing rapid transformations, influencing cinematic imagery, content, and aesthetics,” Żydowicz wrote in Cinematography World magazine. “A significant change is the rising acknowledgment of female cinematographers and directors. This evolution is vital as it addresses the clear injustices in societal progression. However, it raises a critical question: Can the drive for change overlook what is truly good? Are we willing to sacrifice exceptional works and artists merely to accommodate subpar film production?”

Several prominent cinematography guilds swiftly condemned his comments, and Steve McQueen, who was set to attend the opening night screening of his latest film Blitz, canceled his participation in the festival.

The main competition jury of Camerimage, led by Cate Blanchett and including Anna Higgs, Sandy Powell, Anthony Dod Mantle, Rodrigo Prieto, Lukasz Zal, and Jolanta Dylewska, responded to Zydowicz’s remarks by affirming their support for the festival.

“We welcome discussions on gender representation,” the jury stated. “While we are focused on our privilege of celebrating the work of cinematographers, we anticipate engaging in significant conversations with our peers at the festival about enhancing inclusion and acknowledging excellence in all its forms within our industry. We fully support the essential shift towards authentic inclusivity, and festivals can serve as a great platform for fostering such discussions and promoting positive change.”

The Substance features Moore as Elisabeth Sparkle, who is dismissed as the celebrity host of a daytime fitness program. She begins using a secret serum to create a younger, more ideal version of herself named Sue, portrayed by Margaret Qualley. However, the two must switch places each week, leading to various complications.

 

Person

Coralie Fargeat, Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Marek Zydowicz, Benjamin Kracun, Steve McQueen, Cate Blanchett, Anna Higgs, Sandy Powell, Anthony Dod Mantle, Rodrigo Prieto, Lukasz Zal, Jolanta Dylewska

Company Names

Camerimage Film Festival, Cinematography World

Titles

The Substance, Blitz

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