Celebrating Cinema, Opening Up Access

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Over 50 international journalists have signed a message criticising the lack of press access to major talent at this year’s Venice Film Festival, stating that “cinema journalism is at risk of extinction”.

The 500-word statement states that several world premiere titles at this year’s festival are giving no press interviews at all, which “puts in jeopardy an entire category of journalists, particularly freelancers, who with their passionate and relentless work often help in the success of films”. The statement also complains that this lack of access is particularly felt by freelance journalists, who “sustain themselves single-handedly…and every day, they put their best foot forward to write about what’s meaningful, innovative and of great artistic value”.

The message was originally posted by Italian freelance journalist Marco Consoli in a Facebook group he established in 2020 called International Film Festivals Journalists. The group currently numbers over 700 people, including journalists, publicists, and festival programmers.

The statement claims that the lack of press access is “shocking and deeply concerning”, and urges the festival to return to offering interview junkets to the press.

Jonathan Rutter, director of film at UK-based Premier PR, expressed understanding of the frustration of journalists. He acknowledged that the absence of press access could have “serious implications” for festivals. However, he also noted that it may be the result of various reasons, including sales agents opting not to provide interviews until they secure a distribution deal.

This year’s Venice has accredited some 2,900 media professionals, but a German journalist raised the issue during a recent press conference, pointing out the scarcity of press junkets. Artistic Director Alberto Barbera responded that the issue wasn’t about the bulk of the film lineup, and there was no way for the festival to force distributors to provide interviews unless they wanted to.

The Journalists’ Statement

Cinema journalism is at risk of extinction. Venice Film Festival has just started, and we know already that many films with a world premiere at the festival this year will not give any interviews to the press. Zero, zilch, nada. This decision, influenced by the studios and supported by many publicists, puts in jeopardy an entire category of journalists, particularly freelancers, who with their passionate and relentless work often help in the success of films, give voice and prestige to directors and actors, and contribute to igniting the debate on projects that aim for the Oscars, the Golden Globes and other prestigious awards.

This shocking and deeply concerning reality must be changed, as our work and livelihoods depend on interviewing talent. If we journalists have no chance to talk with film protagonists, the outcome will be zero quality press, just a meaningless circus. No one, unless their own business is at stake, wishes for that.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lack of press access at the Venice Film Festival is causing controversy and concern among international journalists, particularly those who work as freelancers. Without direct junket access, these journalists are limited to attending press conferences to engage with talent, raising doubts about the effectiveness of the current media landscape. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold.

FAQs

• How widespread is this issue?
  • More than 50 international journalists have signed the message critical of the lack of press access, making it a significant concern.
• How long has this issue been building up?
  • According to Jonathan Rutter, it has been an issue for "a few years, and it’s definitely happening more and more. It has hit a critical mass."
• Will this boycott by journalists impact the film industry?
  • If hundreds of accredited journalists and publications join the boycott, the effect could be substantial, potentially jeopardizing the success of certain films.