Today The Hollywood Reporter dug into a controversy over the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' feature documentary rules that has may distributors and film festivals worried.
To be considered for the upcoming 81st Annual Academy Awards, filmmakers need to screen their film for one week in both Los Angeles County and Manhattan by Aug. 31 (you know, like at DocuWeek).
Easy, right? Not so much.
Some are miffed over the the changing requirements, especially screening early in NY, for fear of ruining their official rollouts later. Some are at risk of being ignored for by the New York Film Festival because of an earlier premiere date. Other rules create even more hurdles for docs to get their shot. From THR:
"I can't understand why the Academy is making it even more difficult for documentaries by saying you need some kind of shadow release," New York Film Festival topper Richard Pena said. "I don't see how this policy helps the greater good of cinema."
What do you think of these new rules? Sound off in our comments section.