FilmFestivals . com - VENICE FILM MARKET

Marie-Pierre Macia, director of the Cannes sidebar Directors’ Fortnight, can be seen in Venice scurrying to and from films in hopes of discovering new talent as she has done for the past four years on the job. However, what is different is that she has was relieved of her post in July, as she and everyone else found out in a press release sent out by the parent group SRF, the French directors’ union, even though her contract was not yet up. Her obvious devotion to filmmakers and passion for film cannot be suppressed as long as a ray of hope for a solution to this awkward situation may still be possible.

The release announced that the committee had decided to fire her, yet no ones knows who was on this committee other than the newly elected president of the union, French director Pascal Thomas. No explanations nor future projects were given and the locks on the Directors’ Fortnight doors were changed leaving all of the present staff blocked from continuing their job. This puts the sidebar in serious jeopardy and represents a great loss for the Cannes Festival.

The SRF was created by the new wave directors who then created the Directors’ Fortnight as their showcase window at the Cannes Festival. Up to 1998, the showcase selection only knew one director Henri-Pierre Deleau. He stepped down and was replaced by Ms Macia, who was considered the best woman for the job. Without the Directors’ Fortnight showcase, the SRF is endangering their own existence since the only funding comes from the state with the stipulation of being used for the Directors’ Fortnight showcase.

As Ms Macia says, “It’s hard to explain the absurd.” Since her dismissal, prestigious supporters in the film industry have been rallying behind Ms Macias with thousands of signatures already collected. This concerted support during the summer months has kept hope stewing and perked up the ears of the French Cultural Minister and the CNC who are now following very carefully the situation. Ms Macia expects the situation to be concluded by the end of September. Stay tuned and send your support to soutienmpmacia@hotmail.com.