BSA306, Dogme 95 movement, 7 March, 2017

 After writing the so-called "Vows of Chastity", a manifesto declaring the intention to bring filmmaking back to a simpler, purer state, Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg were joined by two other Danish filmmakers, Kristian Levring and Søren Kragh-Jacobsen, to form the Dogme 95 Collective.

Summary of rules
shooting on location
all props must be found on location
sound never produced apart from images and vice versa
music could only appear if it was made during filming
handheld camera
shooting must take place where film is taking place?
film had to be in colour with no extra lighting instruments or filters
no superficial action-murders, weapons, etc
genre movies not acceptable
had to be in certain format
and director couldn't be credited

List of films
http://www.dogme95.dk/dogme-films/

The movement lasted from 1995 to 2005.

The First Dogme95 film, Festen, came out in 1998 and was directed by Thomas Vinterberg.

¡Do you feel that imposed set of rules on film making would help in making a more “pure” film that improves the focus on story and character?
 If a filmmaker is determined to focus on story and character and not get caught up in a relentless maelstrom of CGI, that's what will happen.  I haven't seen any of the Dogme95 films, but I have seen  Lars von Trier's 2000 film "Dancer in the Dark". With the exception of the movie being in colour, he doesn't follow any of the Vows of Chastity and still managed to create sharp character portraits and a compelling story.  If anything, the Vows of Chastity would be a useful tool for filmmakers to use when deciding if their scripts are any good.  If the story and characters are strong enough to stand up without all the expensive bells and whistles, then you can add in the VFX and movie magic.