A Filmmaker’s Call to Vote in the EU Elections – blog #5
5 June 2024
With only days to go until the European elections (6-9 June 2024, check the dates for your country here), the Federation of European Screen Directors (FERA) brings you a blog series penned by working filmmakers from our board.
The contributions aim to highlight the significance of voting in the European elections and their impact on our shared future. Through their unique perspectives and experience in storytelling, the filmmakers explore the vital role that these elections play in shaping policies, culture, and the artistic and creative landscape across Europe. With this series, we hope to inspire a deeper understanding of and active participation in the democratic process within our community and beyond. Join us on this journey. #Use your vote #Use your voice
The Impact of Rising Intolerance
on Filmmakers and Society
By Giovanna Ribes (ES), Filmmaker and FERA Executive Committee member
In the near future, we face a worrying panorama in the audiovisual field. Censorship and messages of intolerance are on the rise, which directly impacts both filmmakers and their creative freedom and citizens point of view.
This trend threatens to limit the diversity of voices and perspectives not only in the film industry but also in society, restricting the ability to address controversial topics and challenge established norms.
Filmmakers are forced to self-censor or adapt their works to avoid retaliation, which undermines the very essence of cinematic art. Creativity and innovation are limited by the fear of being judged or punished for expressing ideas that may be uncomfortable or controversial.
It is crucial that as a society we remain vigilant against any attempt to impose censorship or promote messages of intolerance in the audiovisual field. We must defend freedom of expression and support filmmakers who dare to challenge conventions and explore new ways of telling stories, in the same way we defend all citizens’ democratic rights to freedom of speech.
Large corporations now unite in a desire to control the mass media while our states and public administrations fall into the error of thinking that these corporations are not harmful to authors, but rather provide employment and, in addition, nourish European culture. But any employment or nourishment is temporary, and on the terms of their shareholders, not European citizens.
Such a misconception leaves filmmakers unprotected, who see their capacity for information about their rights increasingly diminished, as well as their possibilities for tolerant creation that emanate from the principles of equality and diversity. Just as suppressed audio-visual creativity leaves citizens unprotected in their ability to reflect on the diversity of others.
The future of cinema and culture in general depends on the protection of creative freedom to ensure that the art of film remains an authentic and courageous reflection of our society.
Freedom of expression and creativity are fundamental in a democratic society. It is vital that governments and authorities take measures to protect not only artists and creators but also citizens from manipulation to ensure that their rights are respected, and diversity of content is promoted.
In a democracy it is every citizen’s responsibility to choose a government that reflects their views. Elections are upon us. Use your vote to make your choice.
Together, creators and citizens, we can build a future in which creativity and tolerance are the pillars of our society.