Directors defend Olympics films after Spielberg walkout
Saturday, 23 Feb 2008 16:00
Directors defend Beijing Olympics film project
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Three directors have defended their involvement in a project documenting preparations for the Beijing Olympics after Steven Spielberg's resignation.
The directors, Majid Majidi, Andrew Lau Wai-Keung, and Briton Daryl Goodrich made statements to the press at the premiere of their film project, "Vision Beijing", five short films which document preparations for the Olympics.
Spielberg announced he was leaving his position as adviser to the opening and closing ceremonies for the Games 11 days ago because of China's policy on the conflict in the Darfur region of Sudan.
"It's sports, it's not political," said Lau, a popular Hong Kong director.
"It's very clear. The Olympics is not political. I was surprised at why he [Spielberg] did this thing. Of course, he has his own thinking."
Iranian director, Majid Majidi, said: "I believe that art should have nothing to do with politics. On the contrary, art may be undermined if it is connected with something like this."
British director Daryl Goodrich steered away from the subject.
"It's a short film to illustrate, demonstrate if one has belief in one's ability - however big or small - you can achieve greatness," Goodrich said. "That's the only message that was coming across in this film."
China's stance on human rights is under scrutiny in the run-up to the 2008 Games, with many using the event as an opportunity to criticise the government.