Why can’t short films be Dogme95 films, and why can’t Dogme be a genre film?
The Dogme95 rules are intended to inspire and raise a debate about film in general and feature films in particular. Short films cannot be Dogme95 film, although it is not spelled out in the rules. It was a decision taken by the original, founding brothers shortly after Dogme95 came to life in 1995. The rules are in fact targeted at the professional directors who might need to have a “purifying” filmmaking experience. In fact, it is not advisable for first time feature film directors to make a Dogme95 film, because one has to be aware of the difference of making a conventional film and making a dogmefilm. Basically it is important to know what constructs a conventional film, before one starts tearing the film language apart.
