5 Easy Actions to Support Diverse Voices in Film
Written by Or Die Trying Production Assistant, Megan Hess
Traditionally, the film industry has been white male-dominated. However, that trend is starting to shift. Two of the year’s most popular films - the critically acclaimed Hidden Figures and the 2017 Best Picture winner Moonlight - had non-white protagonists. They aren’t alone. While there is still a long way to go, the diversity shown in recent movies is promising. However the only way it will continue is if efforts to diversify get support! Film is a financially-driven industry, which means that, no matter how good a project is, if it does not appear to be a moneymaker, then its prospects are limited.
Here are 5 quick and simple ways to provide support to those telling stories that differ from the dominant majority.
1. Get Social!
Today, when literally anything can go viral, social media is one of the easiest and most important ways to support the mold-breaking films you love - and the people who make them happen. Whether it’s through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or even Myspace (just kidding), that like, follow, or share gets the person or group you’re digitally supporting one step closer to their personal dream.
A few to start with….
Film & Her: A Female Filmmaker Showcase, a “showcase featuring local female-made films” (Facebook: Film and Her: a Female Filmmaker Showcase)
Shiners, “a film about class relations and what type of work we value as a society. It follows shoe shiners around the world, giving you an insider's view of this overlooked profession.” (@shinersdocumentary #shinersdoc)
Wedlocked, a film “inspired by true stories” where “three women work their way out of a divorce triangle they never signed up for thanks to the archaic pre-2015-SCOTUS-ruling laws surrounding same-sex marriages.” (Facebook: @wedlockedthemovie; Twitter: @wedlocked_movie)
2. Show Me the Money!
While it may not be financially feasible for everyone to donate to their favorite causes, charities, or Kickstarters, if you are able, it can be a big help. Film has expenses other creative industries do not, so any efforts to undercut cost are welcome.
Make that check out to….
About A Donkey, “a feature film that follows a family after the father abruptly brings home a donkey. It's a quirky comedy with an exploration of deeper issues we all struggle with under the surface. It aims to not only portray the world as diverse as it truly is, but to normalize struggling with depression and finding oneself. It's a story that anyone can relate to but has a specific focus on underrepresented voices both in front of and behind the camera.” (https://www.seedandspark.com/fund/about-a-donkey#wishlist)
Bluestocking Film Festival. “A program of Cinefemme, Bluestocking is a premiere destination festival that celebrates and promotes talented, established and emerging filmmakers who take the creative risk of placing female protagonists front and center, and serves as a showcase to amplify female voices and stories.” (https://cinefemme.net/projects/bluestocking-film-series/)
Her-POW! New Adventures of Vintage Heroines: “These three short films feature comic book heroines from the Golden Age of comics: The Woman in Red, The Veiled Avenger, and Ghost Woman.” (https://www.seedandspark.com/fund/her-pow#wishlist)
3. Start Spreading the News(letter).
Lena Dunham brought newsletters back into vogue with Lenny Letter, but nonprofits have been using them since the advent of the Internet. They’re a great way to keep track of the progress your favorite projects are making.
Some new reading material….
Muted - “ a short film that addresses the disparities between missing children of color and their white counterparts.”(www.tinyurl.com/mutednewsletter)
4. Listen Up!
Podcasts have increased in popularity as well. You can find one on nearly every subject in existence...including film, of course!
Tune in to these….
B-Movie Bros - “It is our goal to review low budget independent films as critically as we and with the same respect that big budget films receive. We also interview different independent filmmakers each week in order to provide them a platform to talk about their projects and share them with a wider audience. We also discuss various film related topics each week in order to express different ideas and to open conversation to as many people as possible. “ (iTunes \ SoundCloud \ TuneIn \ YouTube)
The Enthusiasm Enthusiast - “a feminist podcast where people share their passions.” (iTunes)
5. Watch This!
Finally, the very best thing you can do to support diverse filmmakers is… enjoy the results of their hard work, of course! With all the various ways to screen video these days, find a platform that works for you, pop some popcorn, and sit down to watch something worthwhile!
Some short and long viewing options….
Comedy: Aguruphobia - “When internet guru Nanak (Pepe Serna) meets his biggest fan Crystal Luna (Jade Puga) the two discover that searching for enlightenment can be dangerous.” (Amazon\iTunes)
Trailer: Style My Love “Directed and written by Zane Mestousis,the romantic comedy feature film “Style My Love” tells the story of Shontelle Aguilera who loves two things in life, young attractive men and shopping! After Shontelle finally stumbles into the position of Assistant Manager at the prestigious ‘Chanel’, she swiftly begins to fall in love with her boss, Avan. After a disturbed first date, Shontelle’s discoveries change who she is and her view on her career. The film will be entered into several film festivals and will have its full release on YouTube within the second half of 2017!”
Documentary: The Goddess Project - “A documentary film amplifying the voices and sharing the stories of women across America.” (Find a screening here)
Spoken Word: Visceral Ghost - “A spoken word short about long distance relationship and the toll it takes.” (YouTube)
