On Saturday, Cate Blanchett officially launched the Displacement Film Fund at the International Film Festival Rotterdam, declaring, “It’s the beginning of something wonderful.” This initiative aims to shed light on the urgent stories of refugees and displaced individuals, which often get overlooked in the mainstream media. The fund is especially timely, given the alarming increase in the number of displaced people around the world, a situation that Blanchett has witnessed firsthand in her role as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador for nearly a decade.
Blanchett emphasized the need to amplify the voices of those who feel invisible in today’s society. “These very human stories have been politicized and made toxic. Their resilience, courage, and fortitude are nothing short of inspirational,” she stated. This sentiment resonates deeply as the film industry faces its own challenges, creating an opportunity for storytelling that not only entertains but also educates and informs.
During a panel discussion, Blanchett highlighted that the stigma surrounding refugees affects their careers and perspectives, adding, “We don’t want to ghettoize their stories but help them reach the mainstream.” Tamara Tatishvili, the head of the Hubert Bals Fund, elaborated that the fund’s goal is to operate on a pilot scale by financing up to five short films, emphasizing the need to create innovative pathways for distribution and circulation. “We want to amplify these short films as much as possible,” she noted, indicating the importance of reaching audiences beyond traditional channels.
Blanchett and Tatishvili together acknowledged the creative potential in focusing on short films. “On this fast-tracked collaboration, we have a clear mission: This is a long game. We want to create a legacy fund,” Tatishvili explained, reassuring that experienced filmmakers would not be left in prolonged financing cycles, and instead encouraged them to unleash their creativity.
Blanchett added to this perspective by stating, “The audience is hungry for consuming stories in many different ways,” describing a changing landscape in film where traditional narratives often become formulaic. She expressed excitement about the freedom that short films provide for filmmakers to experiment and take risks, allowing for diverse storytelling that reflects the multiplicity of human experiences, particularly those of women and displaced people.
The event also featured comments from notable filmmakers who understand the urgency of these narratives. Syrian filmmaker Waad Al-Kateab, known for her work “For Sama,” expressed her enthusiasm regarding the fund, stating, “When Cate mentioned this project to me, I was over the moon. It’s urgent, more than ever: Not just for us as a community of refugees but for the world.” She pointed out that when she created “For Sama,” the challenge endured was in making people care about her story amidst her struggles, hinting at the broader challenge displaced individuals face in sharing their experiences.
Jonas Poher Rasmussen, famed for the acclaimed film “Flee,” underscored the significance of telling nuanced “human stories” to connect with audiences. “That fundamental human interest is crucial to telling these stories,” he mentioned, expressing hopes that grant recipients will surprise and excite viewers with fresh perspectives, reaching beyond mere refugee narratives to share universal human experiences.
Koji Yanai, a film producer and board director at Fast Retailing Group, highlighted the event’s collaborative spirit, stating, “In order to tackle these issues from multiple angles, it’s crucial to join forces and unite.” His presence reflects a commitment to supporting the displaced for over two decades, stressing that the fund should not merely operate as a commercial venture but possess a purpose dedicated to giving a voice to those sidelined by society.
Blanchett concluded by reinforcing the core values embedded in the initiative. “In the DNA of the initiative is that it’s respecting and understanding that if you are displaced, the thing you are robbed of is your freedom. You don’t have the freedom to think, to dream or to return home,” she expressed, signaling a commitment to safeguarding a creative space for these extraordinary artists. “It’s a start,” she affirmed, reflecting an understanding that while this fund marks a significant first step, much work remains to be done in how society engages with displaced narratives.
The launch of the Displacement Film Fund is a promising initiative that not only aims to uplift the stories of marginalized communities but also seeks to enrich the cinematic landscape with diverse narratives. As the stories of refugees and displaced individuals become increasingly vital, Blanchett’s commitment through this fund could be instrumental in paving new pathways for storytelling that resonates with audiences and enriches the world’s understanding of those experiencing displacement.