Fiasco at the Ministry of Culture over Greek Oscar nominations as 20 films are withdrawn

The controversy erupted after the Ministry of Culture initially appointed a selection committee, only to abruptly change its composition days later. The original members, including director Vassilis Kekatos and other respected professionals, were informed that their participation had been a “mistake.” The new committee, appointed by the Ministry, included different members without any explanation for the sudden change.

In response to the Ministry’s actions, the filmmakers highlighted the lack of transparency and professionalism in the process. They pointed out that the Ministry had sent the links to their films to the original committee members, who were later excluded, raising serious concerns about the protection of their intellectual property.

The filmmakers questioned the motivations behind the Ministry’s decisions, asking what led to the “unorthodox and unprecedented” actions that replaced the committee members. They also criticised the Ministry’s attempt to attribute the changes to an “individual mistake” within the department, arguing that this explanation fails to restore trust in the process.

The Hellenic Film Academy also condemned the Ministry’s handling of the situation, pointing out the long-standing issues with transparency and fairness in the selection process. The filmmakers’ decision to withdraw their films has cast a shadow over Greece’s participation in the upcoming Oscars, with only three out of the original 23 submissions remaining in the running.

Deputy Minister of Culture Iasonas Fotilas responded to the backlash by insisting that the Ministry had acted with “transparency and seriousness” and that the committee’s final composition included “highly prestigious individuals.” However, his assurances have done little to quell the outrage among the Greek film community.

The filmmakers’ letter concludes with a call for better treatment and greater respect for Greek cinema and its creators.

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