Greek Filmmakers Boycott Oscar Shortlist Over Allegations of Political Interference
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Loading... - Angelina Casa
- 28 Aug 2024
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In a dramatic turn of events, 20 out of 23 Greek filmmakers have withdrawn their films from the country's foreign film Oscar nominations, accusing the Greek government of political interference in the selection process. The boycott is a response to the Ministry of Culture's sudden decision to replace members of the committee tasked with choosing which films will represent Greece at the Oscars.
Renowned Greek actor and director Renos Haralambidis, who withdrew his film Night Announcer, expressed his concerns about the government's involvement in the selection process. "I am disturbed by even the slightest possibility of influence, whether political or any other," Haralambidis said. "That's why I believe that the committee that will choose which film will be nominated for the Oscars should be independent of the state, because I believe the less the state [intervenes] in art, the better."
The filmmakers' joint statement accused the Ministry of Culture of non-transparent actions, which "create serious doubts about the reliability and validity of the process." They refused to cooperate with the Ministry's "opaque actions, which discredit Greek cinema and its professionals."
The controversy began when the Ministry of Culture set up a seven-member committee to select the Greek Oscar candidate, only to replace its members a few days later without explanation. The new committee includes a film critic who was expelled from the Hellenic Film Academy in 2022.
The Hellenic Film Academy, as well as several film associations and unions, have called for explanations and demanded that the Academy be entrusted with the responsibility of selecting the Greek Oscar candidate.
The boycott has sparked a heated debate about the role of the government in the arts and the importance of independence in the selection process. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will impact Greece's representation at the Oscars.
