In support of Francois Miron

Francois Miron is an internationally renowned French-Canadian experimental filmmaker and educator based in Montreal, QC, Canada. He has been a part-time instructor at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema where he has taught for over thirty years, educating generations of filmmakers and visual artists via his legendary optical printer class (I was a former student in the late 90s). Throughout, Francois shared his wealth of experience and expertise despite ongoing, degenerative chronic health issues and being permanently disabled. That is, until last week.

In a scenario that can only be described as Kafkaesque, Francois has been suspended without pay and access to insurance coverage for prescription medication by the Office of the Dean of Fine Arts, leaving him and his students in disarray. The only reasoning that has been provided for his dismissal are as follows: using the “f-word” in class, interrupting a student during a presentation, and canceling one class that had become redundant. This dismissal is not only a clear example of departmental scapegoating but a dangerous precedent and warning for any member of the fine arts faculty who refuse to “toe the line”. Quite simply, it is a clear example of institutionalized, ideological terrorism.

The autocratic styled “punishment” of the Dean’s office has left Francois without income, without much-needed medical coverage, and without the necessary prerequisites to apply for employment insurance or welfare due to the technicalities of a workplace “suspension”. As a result, this goes far beyond a disciplinary measure. It is a vengeful action, aimed at stripping away one person’s dignity and right to exist.

In the spirit of compassion and generosity, we ask for your financial support to allow Francois to continue fighting this injustice.

Sincerely,

Alan Smithee

(filmmaker in hiding)