On April 18, 2023, the Geena Davis Institute held a virtual event to unveil their research report, "From Real to Reel: Representation and Inclusion in Film and Television Produced in British Columbia." The event, moderated by Madeline Di Nonno, President and CEO of the Geena Davis Institute, explored the findings of a comprehensive study commissioned by UBCP/ACTRA. The analysis, conducted over a period from 2018 to 2021, focused on the representation of gender, race/ethnicity, 2SLGBTQIA+, disability, fatness, and age in the film and TV productions of British Columbia.
The event kicked off with opening remarks from Madeline Di Nonno, who extended a warm welcome to attendees from British Columbia and around the globe. She highlighted the event's aim to delve into the diversity of characters in the media and the opportunities available to performers from equity and sovereignty-seeking groups.
Geena Davis, Academy Award-Winning Actor and Founder of the Geena Davis Institute, then took the stage, sharing insights into the importance of inclusivity and diversity in media. Her address set the tone for the discussions that followed, emphasizing the industry's responsibility to reflect a broader spectrum of experiences and identities.
Angela Moore, an actress and Executive Board Director at UBCP/ACTRA, further enriched the conversation by sharing her experiences and advocating for greater BIPOC representation in the industry. Her dual roles as Chair of the BIPOC Committee and co-chair of the Women’s Committee underscore her commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion.
Dr. Michele Meyer, Senior Director of Research & Methodologies at the Geena Davis Institute, presented the findings of the report. Her presentation detailed the analysis of various media productions, shedding light on the current state of representation and the strides needed to achieve inclusivity across all spectrums of identity.
The event concluded with a panel discussion, where all speakers, facilitated by Jazmin Borad, Senior Director of Events at the Geena Davis Institute, engaged in a dynamic Q&A session. They addressed queries from the audience, providing deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities within the industry for fostering representation and inclusion.
The "From Real to Reel" event not only highlighted the critical research undertaken by the Geena Davis Institute but also served as a call to action for the media industry to prioritize and enhance diversity and inclusion in its storytelling.
Symposium
Weekly highlights on diversity, equity, and inclusion in media
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