Canada Tried to Shut Him Down. Now Cronenberg Is Its Grand Old Man of Cinema | The Walrus
Briefly

At the 1969 Canadian Film Awards, Peter Watkins declared a lack of a Canadian film industry, citing no feature films presented for viewing. His remarks echoed concerns about the need for filmmakers to break free from influences and commercial expectations. Meanwhile, David Cronenberg organized a screening of his film Stereo, deemed experimental and rejected by the CFA selection committee. Cronenberg's comments reflected a desire for the awards to represent authentic creativity rather than commercial endeavors, suggesting a pivotal moment for Canadian cinema's identity.
Watkins criticized the Canadian film industry for lacking identity and urged filmmakers to break away from American commercialization. He called for tougher, more authentic voices.
David Cronenberg's response emphasized the need for the film awards to reflect genuine artistry rather than commercial success, aiming for a meaningful film industry.
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