Cate Blanchett Talks Newly Launched Displacement Film Fund: ‘It’s the Beginning of Something Wonderful’

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During the International Film Festival Rotterdam on Saturday, Cate Blanchett hinted that the new Displacement Film Fund marks “the start of something truly remarkable.

It appears that the issue isn’t about my involvement, but rather the urgency it demands. However, these compelling human stories seem to be overlooked in mainstream discourse. Unfortunately, they have been tainted with politics and made controversial. As a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for nearly a decade, I’ve had the privilege of meeting refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced individuals, listening to their accounts. Their experiences, filled with resilience, courage, and fortitude, are truly awe-inspiring, leaving one in disbelief.

At that festival’s panel discussion, I observed an alarming trend: the staggering increase in the number of refugees and displaced individuals during a specific period. Despite this growing issue, those directly affected often find themselves unseen or overlooked by many.

Refugees often face negative stereotypes concerning their careers and outlooks. Instead of confining their narratives to specific communities, we aim to bring them into the mainstream. The rapid development of this project reflects our commitment to engagement. Audiences are eager to learn about these stories, but opportunities for connection aren’t always available.

According to Tamara Tatishvili, who leads the Hubert Bals Fund, they plan to initiate their operations on a trial basis. Approximately five short films will be funded in this process. A nominating panel will compile a list, and subsequently, the selection committee will evaluate the innovative ideas presented by the filmmakers.

She mentioned that these movies will debut at the International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) next year. Our goal is to give maximum exposure to these short films and facilitate their distribution and circulation, even in non-traditional markets for such projects.

She stated, “We’re ready to dive in and advance it further. That’s the essence of innovation.

They also explained why they decided to focus on short form.

The choice to concentrate on producing short films was driven by the desire for creativity, she explained. “In this swiftly-moving collaboration, our purpose is crystal clear: This is a long-term strategy. We aim to establish a legacy fund. We’ve encountered numerous seasoned filmmakers who aren’t interested in financing for prolonged periods; instead, they yearn to express their creativity.

Blanchett concurred, stating, “We’re unveiling this fund during a period that’s both tumultuous and invigorating. Audiences are craving stories in various formats, and the industry, in many aspects, is experiencing a downfall. This situation presents an opportunity for us to transform it into something more captivating.” Regularly, a feature film can lean towards being “traditional and predictable,” partly due to “the feared three-act structure,” potentially overshadowing its unique aspects.

As a woman and filmmaker in the industry, I’ve found that short films offer a unique canvas for creative exploration and risk-taking – a vibrant, flexible stage. My experiences as a woman in this field and as someone navigating displacement are not one-dimensional; they’re rich tapestries of laughter, tears, and shared human moments.

From hearty laughs exchanged with individuals in impoverished and challenging circumstances to ‘Babette’s Feast’ moments spent connecting with the displaced, these encounters have been nothing short of astounding. Regardless of whether I’m working on a genre film, documentary, or romantic comedy, we don’t need to preach or lecture our audience because they haven’t done so to me. Instead, they’ve shared universal aspects of the human experience.

Syrian filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab, behind “For Sama,” made the film while being displaced herself.

Upon Cate bringing up this project, I was absolutely thrilled. It reminded me of my past struggles. The importance of this endeavor has never been greater – not just for our refugee community but for the global society. The state of affairs is evident to all, and unfortunately, it’s clearly deteriorating. When producing ‘For Sama,’ my initial hurdle was: “Nobody wants to listen.” However, it was a matter of survival. I yearned to survive and share this narrative honestly.

The fund will significantly impact the lives of individuals whose stories might have gone unheard otherwise, she pointed out. In essence, it will transform their existence.

Jonas Poher Rasmussen, famous for “Flee,” emphasizes the significance of sharing “personal narratives” above all else.

During the film-making process, I wasn’t an outsider; instead, my friend was what piqued my interest. This fundamental human curiosity is vital in narrating such tales. I am eagerly anticipating that those who receive these grants will not only captivate us with refugee narratives but also with heartfelt, universal human stories.

Koji Yanai, who serves as a film producer and a member of the board for the Fast Retailing Group (Uniqlo’s parent company), emphasized the importance of addressing complex problems from various perspectives. To effectively do so, he suggested that it is essential to collaborate and come together in our efforts.

For over two decades, our company has been actively involved in aiding refugees. Unlike a typical investment, this fund isn’t driven by profit. Instead, it focuses on providing assistance to those who have been displaced, empowering their voices, and integrating them into the mainstream society. This is its primary goal.

Blanchett stated: “At the heart of this project lies the recognition that being displaced takes away your freedom, regardless of whether you are a filmmaker or not. You lose the ability to think freely, dream, and return home. Our goal is to create a small sanctuary where these exceptional artists can express their creativity. This is just the beginning.

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2025-02-01 19:47