It is that glorious time of year when all of the ultimate of ultimates make their way across the Atlantic and into Cannes. After reflecting and reviewing the pages of discussion on Ryan Gosling's directorial debut, and the insane chatter over the "fluff" or gossip that really has nothing to do with the films or the competitive nature of the festival, I noticed a pretty big political concept catching the limelight of the Jury at the 67th Cannes Film Festival Press Conference: female directors and their presence in the festival. Sofia Coppola and her film Valentino were displayed well. You have to love the fact that Jane Champion got Thierry Fremaux to admit the undemocratic nature of the selection of the films. Her quote is precise and factual, but it does feel a bit strange in a sea of ever ready and exceptional coverage of women as these femme fatales in gorgeous haute couture that do sell the films. None the less, here it is:
He (Thierry Fremaux) told us that only 7% of 1,800 films submitted to Cannes festival were directed by women. It does feel very undemocratic. We don't get our share of representation. It always seems to be a surprise for the world when a woman does come out a success.
Jane Champion at the 67th Cannes Film Festival Jury Press Conference
Cannes 2014
The whole reason I even decided to blog on Cannes had to do with my passion for film, and following my hero, Harvey Weinstein. The controversy over Princess Grace of Monaco by the royal family, and the fact that Tim Roth stars in it, collides brilliantly with the festival's celebration of Pulp Fiction's 20th anniversary ( Tim Roth was in the opening scene for the film, Tarantino directed, Harvey produced it). You can't ask for better press. He even declined the attendance to the film, I am not sure why, but hey he's done a fantastic job as it is the charm of the festival. The guy is a genius when it comes to competing and producing results in this industry. I can't wait to see what happens next. But don't take my word for it, check it out on the website I have posted on the hyperlinks. This brings me to what else has occurred in this industry that is worthy of discussion and should concern us all... The FCC and Net Neutrality.
In an article by Matt Mason on IndieWire, titled: "Here's Why Hollywood Needs Net Neutrality," the chairman of the FCC- Tom Wheeler- proposed a process to establish new neutrality rules for the Internet. This proposal is up for public comment for a period of four months. Essentially the motivation for Mr. Wheeler is that he ,"won't allow the national asset of an open Internet to be compromised (Mason, May 2014)." Under his new rules there would be a "fast lane" for ISPs that enables companies who are willing to pay for publishing or access/interface media conductivity at a faster rate than those who are unable to afford the "fast lane." What does this mean for the entertainment industry?
Well I could argue for both sides. But I have done my research, and I have seen a huge future in the distribution over the digital world from huge names like Disney, Viacom, and Sony, and the status of the American and Global markets in film. So Mason's point that in our current "open Internet" we have equal access to media and publishing content. Furthermore, we have equal and protected rights to freedom of expression as well as free innovation under the current Internet structure. There is also the documented fact that this version has fueled two decades of unparalleled creative and economic growth. So to sharpen the dagger, Matt just flat out declares that Tom Wheeler: "proposes to close this(Mason, May 2014)." The article will further enlighten us to understand the risk of never having another "Facebook, Google, Twitter, or Netflix, iTunes," revolution of innovation and how Hollywood needs to get on their horses and get up in arms about this. I know that it is not humorous or probably appropriate to make a joke at this juncture in my blog, but... "They are in Cannes Matt!"
Seriously, I do have a young daughter and I am attempting to be a part of the innovative movement through our time in the creative film industry and the production of such great works of art and works by great artists. I do ask that you reflect on this, ask yourself how it will affect you as a professional in the industry, and make an informed decision. The regulation of a platform where art is free to flow is very slippery when you decide to start giving away bits and pieces of it's freedom. Reflection should be the premise of the Internet, not Regulation, but that is my opinion.
Net Neutrality and the FCC
Take care and be aware,
Michelle Fernandez
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