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DANNY GLOVER BEGGED NOT TO USE VENEZUELAN MONEY: Filmmakers in country write actor a letter.
*Venezuelan filmmakers have written a letter to Danny Glover asking that he reconsider using the $18 million given to him from the country to finance his upcoming film, a biopic on Haitian revolutionary Toussaint L'Ouverture.
"With all due respect, we feel that you are taking part in an unethical venture," the letter reads, according to Daily Variety. The filmmakers also mentioned that $18 million could easily finance 36 Venezuelan film projects.
The letter-writers also make the point that the money, which the Venezuelan congress said came from a recent bond sale with Argentina, was assigned to Glover's project and others without the benefit of any competition.
"What does this say to our young filmmakers, who may conclude that they don't have to compete because it is far easier to curry favor with politicians in order to make their films?" the letter continues. It also reminded Glover that the U.S. and Venezuela have no co-production pact.
Glover has visited Venezuela numerous times as a supporter of its president Hugo Chavez. His reps were unsure whether Glover has seen, much less read, the letter, Variety reports.
Glover’s film, titled “Toussaint,” follows the life of the iconic leader who led an 18th century slave uprising in Haiti. Venezuela’s financial contribution will help cover the film’s "scripts, production costs, wardrobe, lighting, transport, makeup and the creation of the whole creative and administrative platform," according to a document from the congressional finance commission.
Meanwhile, Glover and his team are busy scouting locations outside of Caracas, according to Variety.
