Underrepresentation in TV: Elevating Equity and Inclusion

A collage of eight diverse individuals featured in a virtual panel titled “Behind the Scenes: The State of Inclusion and Equity in TV Writing.”

The Geena Davis Institute’s held an event to present its new research study, “Behind the Scenes: Elevating Equity and Inclusion in TV Writing,” to address the barriers faced by underrepresented TV writers. The event highlighted ongoing challenges, the impact of COVID-19, and featured insights from industry figures such as Geena Davis, Steven Canals, and LaToya Morgan on fostering diversity.

APPI Activism: A Fireside Chat with Filmmaker Grace Lee

Promotional image for American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs, featuring a smiling Grace Lee Boggs, filmmaker Grace Lee, and a film poster, celebrating AAPI Heritage Month and AAPI activism.

The Geena Davis Institute and WHIAAPI hosted a discussion and screening with award-winning filmmaker Grace Lee, discussing her documentary “American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs.” Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month, the event highlighted Boggs’ lifelong activism, aiming to inspire social justice and activism within the AAPI community.

Representation in Children’s Television: See Jane 2020

A young girl wearing 3D glasses and holding a bucket of popcorn smiles joyfully while watching a movie in a theater, surrounded by other children also wearing 3D glasses.

The Geena Davis Institute’s virtual See Jane Salon event presented the ‘See Jane 2020 TV’ research on children’s television. Key findings revealed historic screen time for female characters, but also persisting challenges. A panel of industry experts discussed the importance of diverse storytelling, authentic representation, and the future of inclusive children’s content.

Historical Women – “A Call to Spy” and the Unsung Female Heroes of WWII

A woman in a vintage red coat stands next to a bicycle on a cobblestone street, looking over her shoulder with a serious expression. The background shows a bustling historical setting with people and carts.

The virtual event “Inspiring Conversations: Unsung Female Heroes of WWII” brought together the filmmakers and lead actor of the film “A Call to Spy.” Attendees learned about the remarkable stories of WWII female spies, whose bravery and determination in the face of adversity have long been overlooked. Likewise, the screening highlighted the importance of telling the stories of diverse women who impacted history.

On-Screen Representation: Insights and Impact from Industry Leaders

A diverse group of four friends, including people of different ethnicities, sit together on a couch, smiling and laughing while watching something on TV. A table in front of them holds snacks and drinks, suggesting a cozy and joyful evening.

The Geena Davis Institute hosted a virtual event exploring how on-screen representation affects audience behavior. Industry leaders, including Geena Davis and experts from film research and production, discussed the importance of diversity, quality portrayals, and strategies to drive change in media.

Adapting Classics: The “Baby-Sitters Club” for Today’s Audience

A promotional poster for Netflix’s The Baby-Sitters Club shows five diverse young girls lounging together on a colorful bedspread, smiling and posing playfully against a purple background.

Geena Davis Institute’s event “Reviving Classics: Modernizing ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ for Today’s Audience,” featured the show’s creators Rachel Shukert and Lucia Aniello to discuss refashioning the beloved series for a contemporary audience, focusing on inclusivity, character development, and staying true to the original.

Gender Injustice – Screening and Discussion of “Nevertheless”

Three women scientists wearing white lab coats, safety goggles, and gloves are engaged in a discussion inside a bright, modern laboratory equipped with advanced scientific instruments.

The Geena Davis Institute hosted a virtual screening of the documentary “Nevertheless,” followed by a panel discussion on gender injustice. Experts discussed themes of intersectionality, the media’s impact, the role of male allies, and actionable steps for creating change toward gender equity in the entertainment industry.

Women in Journalism: A Conversation with Mariana van Zeller

Silhouettes of women and others stand in line inside a dimly lit institutional room with empty chairs in the background. The scene creates a somber and reflective atmosphere, with a focus on the women’s shapes and movement.

The Geena Davis Institute, in partnership with National Geographic, hosted an insightful virtual event featuring award-winning journalist and producer Mariana van Zeller. The session explored van Zeller’s journey in investigative journalism, her work on “Trafficked,” and the evolving role of women in media.

Women in Investigative Journalism: A Discussion with Mariana van Zeller

A dimly lit, narrow hallway with cracked and peeling green walls. A lone figure is seen walking towards a bright light at the end of the corridor, silhouetted against the glow. The scene suggests a deteriorating and confined space, evoking tension and unease.

The Geena Davis Institute hosted a virtual screening of “Trafficked” with journalist Mariana van Zeller. A captivating discussion followed, which covered global trafficking, its root causes, and the challenges faced by women in investigative journalism. Key insights included the complexities of trafficking, media’s role in creating change, and the importance of empathy in journalism.

Representation in Media: Storytelling and its Impact

A group photo of the panelists from the event Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made in Brooklyn. The panel includes Virginia DeBerry, Donna Grant, Dr. Tyrha Lindsey-Warren, Yolonda Brinkley, Harry Lennix, and Tracey Kemble, all dressed in professional attire, standing together.

At 72andSunny in Brooklyn, the Tryin’ to Sleep in the Bed You Made event celebrated storytelling’s impact on culture. The evening emphasized the need for diverse media representation to reflect and empower underrepresented communities.

Heartbreak and Healing: A Conversation on “The Broken Hearts Gallery”

The image shows a promotional poster for "The Broken Hearts Gallery." In the foreground, a man and a woman sit casually on a mustard-yellow couch, gazing at each other with smiles. Behind them, the title "The Broken Hearts Gallery" is displayed in bold neon-style lettering, with a broken heart graphic surrounding the words. The background features a blurred urban street scene, adding to the romantic and urban vibe of the image.

The Geena Davis Institute hosted a virtual event with Natalie Krinsky, writer-director of “The Broken Hearts Gallery,” and actor Molly Gordon. The discussion centered on themes of love, loss, and emotional resilience. Attendees gained insights into the film’s diverse representation, impactful storytelling, and the importance of self-belief in the creative process.