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On 11^th September 2009, film director Jean van de Velde spoke out against the film industry insiders who had criticised Holland’s decision to submit his film, Silent Army, for the Best Foreign Language Film category of the US Academy Awards.   He also denied suggestions that the film had been re-edited by French filmmaker Pierre Rissient.

Dutch producer San Fu Maltha, who claimed he was speaking for a coalition of Dutch film producers including Isabella Films and NL Films, had criticised the national film agency Holland Film, claiming the film was ineligible on a number of counts.   He also stated that the producers would be taking legal action to have the film de-selected amidst fears that the film could be rejected by the Academy, leaving Holland without a candidate.

Van de Velde expressed surprise and dismay at the coalition’s tactics, saying ‘The one thing I truly don’t understand is why they (the producers) didn’t call me in the first place - why call a lawyer?”

Although Claudia Landsberger, a spokeswoman for Holland Film, insisted the film was eligible she confirmed that the agency would be conferring with the selection committee as soon as possible to allow its members to reconsider before the official 1^st October deadline for submissions.

Landsberger said, ‘We feel an to obligation to inform them (the committee members) about what is really the case.   There is so much confusion. They need to be informed correctly. That is why we have asked them to come back together. If they feel they have made the right decision (about The Silent Army), that will be it.’

Van de Velde’s film was chosen above other high profile contenders such as Winter in Wartime, Bride Flight and The Storm.

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