Behind the Camera

I am greatly dismayed by the article “Toward a More Panoramic Vision” written by Robert Hofler (April 25). Along with other colleagues, I am concerned by the lack of responsible reporting and fact-checking on a topic which often seems to invite superficial speculation.

When originally asked to be interviewed by Mr. Hofler, I made it very clear that I was not interested in talking about the “gender question,” as he labels it in this article. I was, however, open to discussing my work and those colleagues (both men and women in the American Society of Cinematographers as well as those not in the ASC) who have guided and encouraged me in a positive light, because this indeed has been my actual experience.

Yet I read an article which was quite different. Not only were my quotes placed provocatively out of context, there were serious omissions about the contributions of other women cinematographers who have consistently produced notable and honored work in the studio and independent worlds prior to this year. To name some of the real groundbreakers who deserve recognition: Brianne Murphy, Sandi Sissel, Dyanna Taylor, Joan Churchill and Nancy Schreiber.

However well-intentioned this reporter may have been, this story also presented a negative view of the ASC. The very people and institutions targeted have been, in fact, the key players actively developing and creating opportunity for what exists as a small but growing talent pool.

ELLEN KURAS

Nyack, N.Y.