A plea to the government
BVR (Bundesverband Regie – the German directors' association) is protesting against the suppression of all financial support to the young German Film centre (Kuratorium junger deutscher Film) suggested on the 8th of September at the conference which gathered the finance ministers of all the German states. This decision would endanger one of the institutions most actively involved in the renewal of German cinema —for instance, helping to reveal Tom Tykwer (Run Lola, Run), Hermine Huntgeburth (whose film Die weiße Massai is currently beating records at the box-office), Florian Gallenberger (Shadows of Time), and many others. This decision would be all the more absurd, says BVR in a bitter press release, since the Kuratorium has not even received a million euros so far.
As the directors' association explains, despite its small budget, the Kuratorium genuinely helps promote the works of young directors without them having to compromise their artistic goals for commercial reasons. Indeed, in a context where low-budget films are numerous, any help, even a modest—especially if it leaves the filmmaker complete artistic independence— can really make a difference and help quality movies come to life. This unique institution is without doubt, one of the most successful discoverers of new talent in Germany.
BVR also criticizes the States' handling of their cultural attributions, and suggests they should be passed on to the Federal authorities, more specifically to the Ministry of Culture which would make it very efficient.
The government will decide for or against this suppression of financial help on the 20th of October.
(Translated from French)
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