SPOTLIGHT: Three Women Dive into Telling the story of Disney’s “Young Woman and the Sea”
Discover the inspiring tale of Trudy Ederle in Disney’s ‘Young Woman and the Sea.’ This powerful film, launching July 19 on Disney+, highlights the extraordinary achievements of pioneering female athletes. Dive into the story with the Geena Davis Institute, celebrating our shared mission of championing equitable representation in media.
SPOTLIGHT: AI Awareness – Increasing Cyber Safety and Opportunity in Our Schools, Screens, and Society
Talking about AI’s role in education and media with Tarika Barrett, CEO of Girls Who Code; Ellen Pack, President, Common Sense Media; and B Cavello, Director Emerging Technologies, Aspen Institute.
SPOTLIGHT: “The Spider Within”: New short film shows teens how to escape web of anxiety
“The Spider Within” explores teenage anxiety through Miles Morales, reflecting the Geena Davis Institute’s mission to promote authentic portrayals and foster meaningful conversations about mental health.
SPOTLIGHT: Creative Confidence: The LEGO Group’s “Play Unstoppable” Guides Girls Towards Building Self-Esteem
LEGO study reveals girls face perfection pressure, stifling creativity. Alero Akuya emphasizes dialogue for change, advocating growth mindset and exploration to boost girls’ creative confidence.
SPOTLIGHT: Elevating Latine Narratives: ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’ Shatters Stereotypes
“In this exclusive interview, ‘Lopez vs. Lopez’ co-creator Debby Wolfe discusses shattering Latine stereotypes and the show’s journey towards authentic representation on television.”
TOOLKIT: Rewriting Motherhood
Toolkit for TV industry promotes diverse, realistic motherhood portrayals: urges flexible work for mom writers, expanded childcare, and casting beyond the white, thin stereotype to reflect real mothers’ varied experiences and challenges.
SPOTLIGHT: Channeling Black Audiences: Nielsen Study Shows Inclusivity Equals Profitability
This Geena Davis Institute Spotlight features Nielsen’s Charlene Polite Corley discussing new study findings on the diverse Black America’s desire for nuanced media representation.
TOOLKIT: Portray Her 2.0: Women in STEM in Media Toolkit
Explore our toolkit for insights on diversifying and enriching women’s portrayal in STEM on-screen, inspired by our “Portray Her 2.0” report, to inspire the next generation of women in STEM.
TOOLKIT: What We Do and Don’t See About Caregiving on TV
This toolkit offers guidelines for media creators to depict caregiving more authentically, focusing on diversity and the realities of aging and disability care in television narratives.
TOOLKIT: Representation and Portrayals in Children’s Programming
Discover actionable steps from our ‘See Jane 2023’ report for inclusive children’s programming. Empower your storytelling with authentic representation and inclusivity.
SPOTLIGHT: Wit and Wisdom: Improv Propels Empowerment in The Harnisch Foundation’s ‘Funny Girls’ Program
The Geena Davis Institute spotlights The Harnisch Foundation’s ‘Funny Girls’ Program, transforming girls into confident leaders.
TOOLKIT: Representation in Video Gaming
Discover how to enrich diversity in gaming with our toolkit. It offers practical guidance for creating inclusive and multidimensional characters in video games.
TOOLKIT: Diversity and Inclusion in Toy Advertising
Geena Davis Institute checklist for increased diversity and inclusion in toy advertising and marketing.
SPOTLIGHT: Insight from Nielsen: New Research Shows that Disability-inclusive Content is Smart Business
This Geena Davis Institute Spotlight shines on Nielsen’s research, revealing the success of disability-inclusive campaigns like Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive, and the high engagement and ROI of creators with disabilities.
SPOTLIGHT: With This Light: An Interview with the Filmmakers Jessica Sarowitz, Laura Bermudez and Nicole Bernardi-Reis
The Geena Davis Institute highlights “With This Light,” a film showcasing Sister María Rosa Leggol’s transformative work for girls in Honduras. Directed by female filmmakers it embodies diverse and authentic storytelling.
SPOTLIGHT: Confronting Online Violence Against Women and Nonbinary Journalists
The Geena Davis Institute shines a spotlight on the dire state of online violence against women journalists, highlighting a crucial issue that threatens press freedom and silences vital voices in the media landscape.
SPOTLIGHT: Beyond Lazy Tropes: The Quest for Authenticity in Fat Representation
The Geena Davis Institute and Bentonville Film Festival put a spotlight on fat representation, discussing the challenges and importance of authentic, diverse body images in media.
SPOTLIGHT: How the Apple TV+ Series “Stillwater” Equips Children with Strategies for Resilience and Mindfulness
In “Stillwater” on Apple TV+, mindfulness consultant Mallika Chopra highlights the show’s role in teaching children self-regulation and reflection, emphasizing its importance in addressing today’s youth mental health crisis.
SPOTLIGHT: Behind the Scenes of “Jane”: A Groundbreaking Series Merging STEM and Storytelling
“Jane,” a new series on Apple TV+, embodies environmental and feminist ideals, featuring cameos from science leaders and promoting diversity both onscreen and behind the scenes.
SPOTLIGHT: How Media Can Demystify Cybersecurity and Uncover New Careers
Craig Newmark and partners tackle the cybersecurity gender gap, leveraging media influence to inspire and empower women in tech, addressing workforce diversity needs.
TOOLKIT: See It, Be It: What Children Are Seeing on TV
“See It, Be It” toolkit examines children’s TV diversity, offering insights and strategies for more accurate representation across gender, race, and other identities.
TOOLKIT: A Guide to Inclusive Advertising
Empower diversity in advertising with the Geena Davis Institute’s toolkit, enhancing portrayal of gender, race, LGBTQIA+, disabilities, and body types in advertising.
SPOTLIGHT: How Media Can Influence Cybersafety and Open Careers for Women and Girls
Craig Newmark Philanthropies, a longtime partner and supporter of the Geena Davis Institute, supports a broad coalition of organizations dedicated to educating and protecting everyday Americans amid new and escalating cybersecurity threats.
TOOLKIT: Redefining Male Caregiving
Explore ‘Redefining Male Caregiving’: a toolkit offering strategies for content creators to authentically portray male caregivers, challenging stereotypes and enriching media narratives.
SPOTLIGHT: Being Seen Onscreen is Life Changing for Older Adults
Spotlight on the NextFifty Initiative and media’s portrayal of adults 50+ which was found lacking, highlighting stereotypes and the need for authentic, diverse representation to foster societal change.
SPOTLIGHT: Mothering Sunday, Tragic Memories Embolden this Writer to Overcome the Entrapments of Her Younger Self
“Mothering Sunday,” is a poignant British drama, unravels a writer’s journey through loss and liberation, spotlighting her defiant rise against societal constraints, fueled by a gripping narrative and powerful performances.
TOOLKIT: Understanding the Impact of Advertising on Gender Norms and Violence in Mexico
Discover actionable recommendations in the toolkit by Geena Davis Institute & UNICEF for advertisers & agencies promoting gender equality in advertising.
TOOLKIT: Understanding the Impact of Advertising on Gender Equality, Gender Norms and Violence in the Caribbean
The toolkit reviews Caribbean advertising’s impact on gender norms and violence, analyzing 600 ads and offering recommendations for promoting equitable gender portrayals in media.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity in Storytelling with TTIE
Explore TTIE’s #WriteInclusion resources to authentically portray LGBTQIA+ stories, fostering diversity in media and entertainment
SPOTLIGHT: Mariana van Zeller’s Investigations Reveal the Minds, Motivations, and Economic Impact of Black Market
Winning a Gracie Award and receiving critical acclaim, Mariana van Zeller’s fearless journalism shines a light on the systemic issues fueling trafficking networks and shadow economies, advocating for informed action to combat them.
SPOTLIGHT: Disney’s Reimagine Tomorrow Digital Destination Celebrates Inclusion for Everyone
The Walt Disney Company launched its Reimagine Tomorrow digital destination, a large-scale platform for amplifying underrepresented voices and untold stories. It champions the importance of accurate representation in media and entertainment.
SPOTLIGHT: Chris Nee and Kerri Grant Bring Invisible Communities and Careers to Life in Ada Twist, Scientist, Coming to Netflix
Netflix’s Ada Twist, Scientist is an animated preschool series that follows the adventures of eight-year-old Ada Twist, a pint-sized black female scientist with a giant-sized curiosity who aspires to discover the truth about absolutely everything.
SPOTLIGHT: Video Gaming for Good – The Time is Now, Learn How
Understanding how the video gaming ecosystem can help promote inclusion and positive gender norms, while removing harmful stereotypes and toxic masculinity.
SPOTLIGHT: Industry Leaders are Redefining What it Means to be API in Entertainment – Simply Put, They Want More
A timely conversation about API representation in entertainment, given the alarming rise of anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SPOTLIGHT: UNICEF’s Gender Equality Leaders Discuss the Impact of Private Sector Advertising
By Mary Ellen Holden In collaboration with UNICEF and its partners, the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media unveiled […]
SPOTLIGHT: Nielsen’s New Research Prompts Advertisers to Defund Hate
In 2020, the DE&I team at Nielsen were alarmed by the rise in anti-Asian sentiment and hate, fueled by the COVID-19 pandemic. To combat this, brands and content creators can actively embrace inclusion, diversity, and social justice in their marketing and corporate social responsibility efforts.
TOOLKIT: Representation Pitfalls: Common Tropes to Avoid in Entertainment Media
Identify and avoid common media tropes that undermine diverse representation with the Geena Davis Institute’s guide on inclusive character portrayal in entertainment.
SPOTLIGHT: Wolfwalkers Celebrates The Power of Friendship, Empathy, and Discovery
Powerful and empowering, the folk animated feature film Wolfwalkers, seven years in the making, is nominated for Best Animated Feature for the upcoming Oscars and BAFTAs.
SPOTLIGHT: Closing The STEM Gender Gap Across Borders Through Research, Policy & Partnerships
Hannah Young, the Deputy Consul General at the British Consulate General New York, is driving progress and stemming the gap in all areas of life where women and girls are marginalized, stereotyped and/or underrepresented.
SPOTLIGHT: OpenGate Entertainment Breaks The Hollywood Pitch Paradigm
OpenGate Entertainment is disrupting the traditional pitch process. Through data-driven marketing, OpenGate identifies unique stories from a diverse group of content creators.
How to Advance DEI Work in Licensing, Marketing and Packaging
Explore this webinar replay on YouTube, featuring insights on diversity in children’s media from leaders at the Geena Davis Institute and UNICEF. Inspire inclusive play.
SPOTLIGHT: The Cast of Endlings Sparks Timely Conversations about Emotional Health, Social Justice and Climate Change
Left to right: Michela Luci (Tabby), Edison Grant (Johnny), Kamia Fairburn (Julia), and Cale Ferrin (Finn). Photo credit: Sinking Ship […]
SPOTLIGHT: Starz Commitment to Inclusive Storytelling Lights Up Opportunities
Credit: Starz By Mary Ellen Holden Alison Hoffman – President, Domestic Networks at Starz Inclusive storytelling focused on women, and […]
SPOTLIGHT: Entertainment Media is Changing the Equation for Women and Girls in Tech
Portrait: Craig Newmark • Credit: Amelia Langdon, Age 5 By Mary Ellen Holden The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in […]
SPOTLIGHT: Movio’s Audience Diversity Algorithm Can Predict Box Office Success
By Mary Ellen Holden The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with the social justice movement and a pause in filmmaking, has provided […]
SPOTLIGHT: IF/THEN® Collection Launches to Celebrate Female, STEM Pioneers
By Mary Ellen Holden For many years, Lyda Hill Philanthropies® founder Lyda Hill has posited that “science is the answer” […]
SPOTLIGHT: “If He Can See It, Will He Be It?” Salon: Highlights and Insider Insights
By Mary Ellen Holden The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media at Mount Saint Mary University hosts See Jane […]
SPOTLIGHT: The Baby-Sitters Club, Coming to Netflix
Fresh, inspiring, and inclusive storytelling and casting – proving once again that representation matters Images: © Netflix By Mary Ellen […]
SPOTLIGHT: Mira, Royal Detective
Discover how Disney Junior’s new series celebrates a vibrant, diverse and magical culture Don’t miss our exclusive interviews Images: © […]
SPOTLIGHT: Dino Dana Takes Huge Steps to Advance Diversity, Break Gender Stereotypes and Embrace STEM
By Mary Ellen Holden Debuting its fourth season on Amazon on April 17, Dino Dana has emerged as a bona […]
SPOTLIGHT: Representation Matters: Nielsen Says It’s Time to Stand Up and Be Counted
By Mary Ellen Holden The demand for diverse storytelling and inclusive content creation onscreen and behind-the-camera has never been stronger […]
SPOTLIGHT: How Frozen 2 Resonates with Audiences by Melting Gender Stereotypes: Up-Close with Geena Davis and Disney Animation’s Jennifer Lee
Brought to you by Facebook SEEN © 2019 Photos by Brian Knott By Mary Ellen Holden Frozen 2, Walt Disney […]
SPOTLIGHT: Disney Junior’s The Rocketeer Flips the Script
Original Hero Passes his Superpowers onto a Young Girl and Rocks her World © 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All rights […]
SPOTLIGHT: Mission Unstoppable Makes Television History
Executive Producers: Madeline Di Nonno, GDIGM, CEO; Anna Wenger, Litton Entertainment; Geena Davis, GDIGM Founder; and Lyda Hill. Credit: Brian […]
Nickelodeon’s Middle School Moguls Inspires Girls to Embrace Entrepreneurship
Photo Credit: Nickelodeon By Mary Ellen Holden Going back-to-school is exciting when you are empowered to take charge and design […]
SPOTLIGHT: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance A Pillar of Inclusive Entertainment
By Mary Ellen Holden As the summer winds down, anticipation is building for the premiere of The Dark Crystal: Age […]
