Diversity in Film Festivals: 35% POC and 8% Women

Film festivals are an instrumental aspect of our society that influence and shape the culture we practice. Thus, these festivals need to be inclusive and set a precedent that gives a voice and platform to all, especially people of color. A study shows that only about 35% of the featured directors were non-white. Only 8% were women of color.

What Are Film Festivals?

Film festivals allow for the celebration of cultures through the medium of film. Cinema is a democratic art. People around the world present their films at such festivals to a general audience and even to critics. 

So what if we exist in the 21st century when most films are readily available on OTT platforms? Film festivals are about more than cinema and art: they are about sharing. Our society is polarized on even the most basic of principles. Film is a medium through which we can talk about our issues creatively. The audience witnesses various stories and characters from remote places. By understanding their stories, they learn to be empathetic and more accepting. 

Those who don’t have special connections or contacts within the film industry can use these festivals as a golden opportunity to have their work recognized, especially if they are people of color. The UCLA Diversity Report found that of the top 252 films of 2021, only 30.2% were by people of color. 

Cinema as a Democratic Medium

Film festivals are a democracy because they are primarily controlled by the public. With the help of filmmakers, producers, and cinephiles, cinema is reaching more people through such festivals. 

For instance, the 100 Words Film Festival allows aspiring filmmakers to showcase their work. Especially in today’s age when people’s attention spans are short, festivals like these challenge the creators as they only have 100 words to express themselves. 

The major film studios rarely take chances on newbies. Their primary purpose is to profit, so they carry a more business-minded approach to film. These studios dominate the global market, and consequently, lesser-known creators with original or experimental ideas are left to find their own funding and resources to create their films. 

Lack of Representation in Films

While the film industry has improved over the past few years, it still lacks ethnic representation. 

The film industry has globalized, yet it remains a white-dominated industry. Cinema as a medium is a phenomenal way to share voices and showcase differing realities, all while promoting social change. 

When the Black Lives Matter movement blew up in 2020, the entertainment industry made efforts to include stories of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). Streaming platforms like Netflix included more Black narratives, such as 13th and Loving. But racial inclusion should not just be a response to social injustice. It should not be a mere marketing tactic to increase profits to the company’s liking. 

While one may expect film festivals to be more inclusive and diverse, the reality is unfortunately not ideal. The Times Up Foundation concluded that at the top five film festivals, only about 35% of the featured directors were non-white. Only 8% were women of color.

Film festivals are vital players in this conversation of representation and inclusion. Not only do they showcase new talent, but they also help set industry standards. Racial diversity is a standard that should have been implemented from the get-go. 

Addressing the Issue

Initiatives like the Programmers of Colour Collective address the issues of representation at film festivals. They are responsible for the selection of films at the festivals. The Collective tackles diversity issues by conducting studies on film festival demographics, creating mentorship programs, and advocating for increasing BIPOC programmers. 

With an increase in such initiatives, more diverse voices and stories can be shared and appreciated globally.