Coralie Fargeat Withdraws ‘The Substance’ from Camerimage Over Festival Director’s Comments on Women

Coralie Fargeat's decision to withdraw "The Substance" from Camerimage sends a strong message about the importance of respecting female voices in film.

In a move that’s more eye-roll-inducing than a poorly timed jump scare, Coralie Fargeat has officially yanked her film The Substance from the Camerimage festival. Why? Because the festival head decided to unleash a cringe-worthy tirade about women cinematographers. Apparently, he thinks women are best suited for making sandwiches rather than making art—quite the antiquated perspective for a contemporary film festival, wouldn’t you agree?

Fargeat, the maestro behind the audacious Revenge, has made it clear she won’t play nice with regressive attitudes. She’s taken a stand, and let’s be honest, it’s about time someone took a flamethrower to this kind of nonsense in the industry. Did the festival director miss the memo that the 21st century has more options for women than just knitting and home economics?

As if the cinematic landscape isn’t already littered with enough outdated tropes, we now have festival heads echoing sentiments that belong in a sepia-toned, 1950s sitcom. It’s 2023, folks! Women are not just holding cameras; they’re lighting the path for the rest of us. Just look at Ari Wegner’s groundbreaking work in The Power of the Dog or the trailblazing visuals brought to life by Rachel Morrison in Black Panther. It’s high time we stop acting like women behind the lens are some rare breed, like unicorns or decent screenplays in the horror genre.

Fargeat’s withdrawal is a resounding wake-up call, not only for Camerimage but for festivals worldwide that harbor outdated views about women in film. This isn’t just about the lack of representation; it’s about recognizing talent, regardless of gender. If your festival can’t celebrate the artistry of women, then it’s time to reevaluate your entire existence. Maybe the festival director should take a crash course in modern cinema, or better yet, a good hard look in the mirror.

In pulling her film, Fargeat’s not merely making a statement; she’s leading a charge against the crumbling edifice of patriarchal nonsense that still pervades the industry. Let’s hope this sparks a wildfire of change—one that burns away the anachronistic beliefs of those who still cling to the myth that women can’t hold a camera without it being a prop in a cooking show.

So, here’s to you, Coralie Fargeat! May your film find a festival that celebrates your vision without outdated baggage. And to the festival heads still stuck in the past—good luck finding a time machine. You’ll need it.

Coralie Fargeat’s decision to withdraw “The Substance” from Camerimage is a striking reminder that even in the kaleidoscopic world of cinema, the lens can sometimes be clouded by outdated views. One has to wonder: in an industry still grappling with gender dynamics, will such bold moves spark meaningful change or simply stir the pot for a moment before the status quo settles back in? Share your thoughts below! And if you’re eager for more juicy tidbits from the world of film, explore other Movie News stories.

image source