Directors Digest — Thursday 9 December

The film world mourns the late Lina Wertmüller, broadcasters ditch the BAME acronym, and face coverings return to cinemas. Read all the latest news and views from the industry below. 

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lina Wertmüller — an inspirational filmmaker, and the first woman to be nominated for a best director Oscar — who died this week aged 93. (Variety)

UK broadcasters have committed to avoiding the BAME acronym wherever possible as the result of a new industry report. (BBC)

Face coverings are to become mandatory in cinemas from Monday 13 December — but COVID passes are not yet required. (Screen)

Televisual goes behind the scenes of Aardman’s upcoming festive film, Robin Robin. 

The Guardian interviews Steven Spielberg on working with Stephen Sondheim to make West Side Story. 

BAFTA has unveiled its breakthrough cohort for 2021, including directors Ana Naomi De Sousa, Ashley Francis-Roy, David Proud, Georgi Banks-Davies, Lyttanya Shannon and Prano Bailey-Bond. (Broadcast)

ITV studios is aiming to double its scripted output, Televisual reports. 

Titan director Julia Ducournau spoke to Screen about nudity, car culture and subverting masculinity onscreen. (Screen)

And finally, the Federation of European Screen Directors (FERA) has launched a new podcast, featuring filmmakers from around Europe discussing their craft. The first episode features a conversation between Jasmila Žbanić and Hrvoje Hribar — you can watch on YouTube now, and subscribe on Anchor Fm and SoundCloud.  

Are you a member with an opinion on one of these stories? Is there an issue affecting directors that you think isn’t getting enough attention in the media? Why not write for us and make yourself heard — email [email protected] with your article idea.