Dogma 23: The Manifesto
1. Cinema is an inherently altruistic art-form which empowers, enlightens and unifies people.
Cinema, since its inception, transcends its role as an art form to become a catalyst for societal unity, a mirror to our collective humanity, and a conduit for empowerment.
2. Without an audience, cinema does not exist.
The audience is the lifeblood of cinema, completing the creative cycle by bringing their interpretations and emotional responses to the narrative.
3. Films must be conceived organically and crafted systematically.
Films should be born from a natural creative impulse and then nurtured with deliberate and methodical craftsmanship, ensuring a balance between inspiration and discipline.
4. Celluloid and theatre are the native medium of cinema.
The essence of cinema is deeply rooted in the physicality of celluloid and the communal experience of the theatre, mediums that offer a unique and irreplaceable experience.
5. Producer and director can only be credited once. All crew must be credited alphabetically.
The crediting system is reimagined not just for fairness but for recognizing and promoting the collective symphony of talents that orchestrate the cinematic experience.
6. Prefer the infinite untold stories over franchises.
Countless stories remain untapped, each holding the potential to resonate more profoundly than the familiar echoes of sequels and spin-offs.
7. Equality and transparency are the foundation of every film production.
The bedrock of cinematic creation is a commitment to egalitarian principles and clear-sighted openness, ensuring that every voice is heard and every process is visible.
8. Cinema is an invention without a future.
As we stand at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, we embrace the wisdom that cinema, our most cherished invention, is not bound by the confines of yesterday, or tomorrow. It is a living art, ever-present, always unfolding in the now. Each screening is a rebirth, where the past and the possible converge, reminding us that every moment in the darkened theatre is a unique intersection of light, sound, and collective breath. It is here, in this sacred space, that we celebrate the timeless and the temporal, the enduring and the ephemeral, as we continue to dream in the universal language of film.