2020 LaScam LaScam
We had so many hopes for this thirty-second edition of the États généraux du film documentaire. The hope of screens swelling like sails, the light at the end of the tunnel for many documentary filmmakers who could see no future for their films. The delight of meeting up in the Village, of feeding on the audience’s desire for films that we have been viewing for the past eight months, as if nothing could shake our plans. But alas, there will be no “Brouillon d’un rêve” day this year.
Along with Frédérique Pressmann and Paola Stevenne, filmmakers on the jury for the “Brouillon d’un rêve documentaire” grant, we wish above all to applaud the efforts of the Lussas team who have been trying for months, from one unexpected development to another, from promised authorisations to pronounced prohibitions, to organise this edition in the teeth of all sorts of obstacles and with modest means while others draw tens of thousands of spectators with state support. In the meantime, “behind the screens, people are starving”, the workers without security of film festivals are plunged into chaos, unable to qualify for the status of “intermittent” or “salaried” cultural workers, without support money. Yet who would dare deny their “creativity” while many have been deprived of their means of existence and classical models of film distribution have been completely thrown into question…
The “Brouillon d’un rêve” day of screenings organised by the French Civil Society of Multimedia Authors (LaScam) will not take place. It is a heart-breaking decision, but there are fears, refusals, which we have to take into account with the greatest respect. It is impossible not to understand the frustration of those who, having spent years writing, finding funding, shooting and editing their films, have to wait even longer to share their films, all the while under the obligation to take into account the inflexible requests for exclusivity imposed by certain festivals… We have chosen to follow the film crews in their choice of restraint.
LaScam – its filmmakers – in solidarity with the États généraux du film documentaire and insecure festival workers, propose to meet up at the next edition of this festival whose team and spirit are so dear to us. Everybody will need from you, spectators, your appetite, your curiosity, your support. A cry of love.
Lise Roure
Director of LaScam’s Aid to Creation and of “Brouillon d’un rêve” grants
With the complicity of Laetitia Moreau, president of LaScam