09 · 20 · 05

“The Public Sector must takle the problem of generating a solid film Industry”: Hugo Castro Fau

Clara Sánchez

“Producers’ associations and the public sector must tackle the problems faced by the film industry today. The ABC’s of Mexican Film should be: a tax on exhibitors and distributors so that a share of the profits can be invested in film production and an exhibition fee. This is the first step,” said Castro. He also pointed out that producers and executive producers from Latin America must be well trained.

He mentioned that Argentine films are a success at Film Festivals like Cannes, Rotterdam, New York. Berlin and Venice, among others, and draw large audiences because the state backs its filmmakers: “Argentina has a revolutionary law when in comes to film: the state supports the production, distribution, and exhibition of Argentine films.

Mexico should have a similar policy, that encourages more co productions by making foreign producers interested in a national product.”

Castro emphasized the importance of the exhibitors role, while clarifying: “with out policies that promote filmmaking at the state level, it’s impossible to make movies because these are countries that have to develop a cultural industry of their own. One cannot imagine Mexico without its flag, so Mexico cannot exist without its film industry.

Exhibitors have little interest in developing a certain type of films: they are interested in selling, and the film producer makes art, culture. There are exceptions, of course.”

Castro also observed that the 40 projects presented at Morelia Lab “are great, any Latin American co producer would be delighted to take part in these projects.” Later, he added that “producers need years of hard work and training.

They are like the director of an orchestra: they must be able to listen to all the different melodic components. Those who are here just need to build on and develop thier raw material.”