The two faces of cinema: the director of 'Sirat' criticizes Netflix, but 40% of European directors do not reach their second film

European filmmakers are navigating a complex digital landscape, with prominent directors expressing concerns about the influence of global streaming platforms on artistic integrity. This debate surfaces amidst concerning statistics highlighting a significant challenge within the European film industry: a substantial portion of emerging talent struggles to sustain a career beyond their debut feature. The tension lies between the accessibility offered by platforms like Netflix and the perceived homogenization of content, potentially impacting the diversity of cinematic voices. Director Oliver Laxe, celebrated for his critically acclaimed film 'Sirat', has voiced strong criticism against what he terms the "processed" and "sugar-coated" content often produced for streaming services. He argues that this approach alienates younger audiences, accustomed to easily digestible entertainment, and contrasts sharply with the artistic ambition of more challenging cinema. Laxe's critique is particularly pointed given his film's success, which has garnered multiple awards and nominations, demonstrating that compelling narratives can still resonate with audiences. The broader implications of this discourse are significant for European digital sovereignty in the cultural sector. A report from the European Audiovisual Observatory reveals that approximately 40% of European directors and screenwriters who released a feature film in 2015 did not produce another within the following decade. This statistic underscores a critical bottleneck in nurturing sustained creative careers and suggests systemic issues within the industry's support structures, potentially exacerbated by the dominance of international digital platforms.