I also read about this yesterday with a sense of dread. One reason that I found frightening that you did not mention, is that the supporting organization itself needs those revenues so badly because the state of our world is worse than ever. And of course, it’s not like there are numerous distributors clamoring to get these films shown to the public. That is one reason why festivals for documentary are so important and always have been. It is even more reason for us to try to preserve and support those festivals doing similar work Where we can. A huge loss for the field for certain.
Well said. I remember Special Flight. What a pity to lose the HRW fest in this current age of corporate media dominance. We live in a time in which streamers, scared of the potential wrath of a mad (near future) despot, and fearful of offending said-despot with content deemed critical, will play it safe to avoid losing subscribers. Welcome to a new age of soft censorship. The almighty dollar rules. RIP HRW Festival.
I also read about this yesterday with a sense of dread. One reason that I found frightening that you did not mention, is that the supporting organization itself needs those revenues so badly because the state of our world is worse than ever. And of course, it’s not like there are numerous distributors clamoring to get these films shown to the public. That is one reason why festivals for documentary are so important and always have been. It is even more reason for us to try to preserve and support those festivals doing similar work Where we can. A huge loss for the field for certain.
Well said. I remember Special Flight. What a pity to lose the HRW fest in this current age of corporate media dominance. We live in a time in which streamers, scared of the potential wrath of a mad (near future) despot, and fearful of offending said-despot with content deemed critical, will play it safe to avoid losing subscribers. Welcome to a new age of soft censorship. The almighty dollar rules. RIP HRW Festival.
Thank you for writing this tribute and reminder of why documentaries and spaces like HRWFF is important. Truly sad news