ErinLaing.com

So I just got back from the Strasbourg International Film Festival. Birthday Girl was up for best short screenplay! We didn’t win but that’s alright, the nomination was an honour in and of itself.

I had a great time at the fest. I was asked to speak on a panel called Filmmaking as Art. I was introduced as having the most “commercial” film amongst the filmmakers. There was lots of debating but I think in the end we all agreed that we fundamentally believe in a similar principle (despite the differences in our work and filmmaking backgrounds); what differentiates art vs. commerce is not necessarily the amount of money that goes into making something but the intent of those in charge.

Films like The Dark Knight shouldn’t be taken less seriously because it had a large budget. Nolan is a skilled filmmaker with a clear vision and (from what I’ve read) honourable intent. When you pander to the masses, you’re no longer making art, but you can try to reach millions of people by staying true to yourself and it can’t be considered anything else but art.