Angelsstandcorrected

I have just received a copy of a letter from Bafta to the London Disability Arts Forum - sent on 14 March, about the whole “my films unacceptable” row. Here’s the text in full, the italics are mine:

Dear Peter

X’08 Disability Film Festival: The Last American Freak Show

I am following up on your conversation with Nik Powell (Head of the NFTS - National Film School ). It is not my preference to review the circumstances leading up to what appears to be a simple misunderstanding of the Academy’s motives, but it seems necessary at this point to clarify them.

The Academy, as a partner of the LDAF on this event, agreed to select an appropriate film based on the fact that it would offer a general introduction to disability and filmmaking. A DVD screener of the film was received three weeks before the date of the event, reviewed by two people, and a decision was made not on the particular merits of the film itself but in its suitability to serve as an introduction. Unfortunately, as no alternative film was offered, the event could not therefore take place. We did, however, offer you the venue free of charge to allow you to go ahead with the screening as a stand-alone event.

Our decision was based on creating the best possible event. if we have caused any distress in relation to this decision, the Academy sincerely apologises to the filmmakers and X’08.

The Academy understands the importance of being sensitive to particular areas of filmmaking, such as those involving disability, and knows that every decision it makes must be properly considered, fair, sufficiently informed and accountable. We are committed to constantly reviewing our procedures and will do so again following this situation.

The Academy continues to work with organisations on events regarding disability in filmmaking and accessibility. These include Channel 4’s ‘The Shooting Party’ filmmaking project for young deaf and disabled filmmakers on March 18 and an event with the BBC and the Broadcasting and Creative Industries Disability Network this summer, focusing on new media and accessibility. We are also keen to work with the LDAF on future events. Through these events, the Academy aims to encourage and raise the profile of filmmaking in this area and - contrary to recent reports - has absolutely no reason to discriminate against films dealing with disability or those made by disabled filmmakers. The Academy stands for excellence in the art forms of the moving image and remains steadfast in its support of all filmmakers.

I hope that I have gone some way to clarifying our position, and we look forward to working with you and LDAF in the future.

signed

Amanda Berry Chief executive.

I just thought people should see this letter - you can make up your own minds as to what it is saying….