Diversity and Inclusion in the Film Industry: A BIPOC Perspective
The film industry has a long history of neglecting diversity and inclusion from a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) perspective. This has resulted in a significant underrepresentation and marginalization of BIPOC individuals in the film industry, perpetuating systemic racism and discrimination. A study by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that in the top 100 films of 2019, only 12.5% of speaking characters were from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, and only 4% of directors were from these groups. This disparity in representation is particularly concerning when considering that people of color make up nearly 40% of the population in the United States.
Growing up, many BIPOC individuals have had few role models in the media who look like them and reflect their experiences. This lack of representation can profoundly impact one's self-esteem and sense of belonging, perpetuate harmful stereotypes, and reinforce damaging narratives about BIPOC communities. The film industry is responsible for accurately and respectfully representing all communities, including BIPOC individuals, not only by casting BIPOC actors in lead roles but also by telling stories that represent the diverse experiences of BIPOC individuals. This includes stories that challenge harmful stereotypes, celebrate the rich cultural heritage of BIPOC communities, and shed light on the systemic barriers that BIPOC individuals face in society.
Despite progress made in recent years, BIPOC individuals continue to be underrepresented in all aspects of the film industry, from writing and directing to producing and acting. In 2020, only 5% of the top 100 films were directed by women, and BIPOC women directed only 3%. Behind-the-scenes positions are similarly lacking in diversity, with only 4.7% of cinematographers being from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups and only 7.7% of the top 1,200 films from 2007 to 2019 having a BIPOC producer. This lack of representation and access to opportunities perpetuates a cycle of exclusion that makes it difficult for BIPOC voices to be heard in the film industry.
To achieve true diversity and inclusion in the film industry, BIPOC individuals must be given equal opportunities to succeed in all aspects of the industry. This includes providing access to funding, mentorship, and training programs to help BIPOC individuals develop their skills and pursue careers in the film industry, as well as creating a supportive and inclusive industry culture that values and celebrates the diverse perspectives and experiences of BIPOC individuals.
The lack of diversity and inclusion of BIPOC individuals in the film industry is due to a complex interplay of systemic barriers and biases at every industry level. A lack of access to opportunities, such as funding, mentorship, membership, and training programs, perpetuates a cycle of exclusion for BIPOC individuals, who are often excluded due to systemic barriers such as racism, discrimination, and prejudice. This lack of access to opportunities is further exacerbated by the fact that entry into guilds, such as the Directors Guild of America, the International Cinematographer Guild, or the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, is often restricted.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which presents the annual Academy Awards, is a prime example of this lack of diversity and inclusion. Membership in the Academy is by invitation only, and invitations are extended to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements in their field. However, the criteria for establishing exceptional achievement can vary by branch and is often based on a combination of factors, including professional experience, critical recognition, and the individual's body of work. In 2020, the Academy was 76% male and 85% white, with only 2% of its members identifying as LGBTQ+ and only 16% of its members.
To achieve true diversity and inclusion in the film industry, it is essential to understand and address the systemic barriers and biases that BIPOC individuals face. This requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the need for more access to opportunities, the lack of inclusion and diversity in the hiring and casting process, and the film industry's lack of word and decision-making power.
One solution is to increase the representation of BIPOC individuals in all aspects of the film industry, from writing and directing to producing and acting. This can be achieved by providing access to funding, mentorship, and training programs to help BIPOC individuals develop their skills and pursue careers in the film industry. It also means creating a supportive and inclusive industry culture that values and celebrates the diverse perspectives and experiences of BIPOC individuals.
Another solution is addressing the need for inclusion and diversity in hiring and casting. This requires casting BIPOC actors in lead roles and telling stories representative of the diverse experiences of BIPOC individuals. It also means challenging harmful stereotypes and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of BIPOC communities. The film industry must work to ensure that casting decisions are not based on toxic stereotypes and that BIPOC actors are not typecast in stereotypical roles.
However, the lack of diversity and inclusion in the film industry is not just a problem for BIPOC individuals. It is a problem for everyone. When the film industry fails to represent and include diverse perspectives and experiences, it reinforces harmful narratives and perpetuates systemic barriers that harm all communities. Furthermore, a lack of diversity and inclusion in the film industry limits the creative potential of the industry itself. By only telling a narrow range of stories, the film industry is missing out on the richness and diversity of human experiences that could be captured on screen. The film industry has a powerful impact on the cultural narrative, and it is essential that this narrative accurately reflects the experiences of all communities.
So, what can be done to increase diversity and inclusion in the film industry? There are several steps that can be taken to address this issue, including:
Increasing access to opportunities: BIPOC individuals need equal access to funding, mentorship, training programs, and other resources that can help them develop their skills and pursue careers in the film industry.
Addressing bias in the hiring and casting process: The film industry must work to eliminate harmful stereotypes and biases in the hiring and casting process. This includes promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the industry, from writing and directing to producing and acting.
Increasing representation and decision-making power: BIPOC individuals must be given equal representation and decision-making power in the film industry. This includes increasing the number of BIPOC individuals in leadership positions, such as directors and producers, and ensuring that BIPOC perspectives are reflected in the stories that are told.
Increasing transparency in the voting process: The voting process for awards and other industry recognition must be transparent and free from bias. This includes increasing the diversity of the voting bodies and ensuring that the criteria for recognition accurately reflect the diverse experiences and perspectives of all communities.
Creating a supportive and inclusive industry culture: The film industry must work to create a supportive and inclusive culture that values and celebrates the diverse perspectives and experiences of all individuals, including BIPOC individuals.
Finally, to address the lack of word and decision-making power in the film industry, it is essential to increase the representation of BIPOC individuals in leadership positions. This includes increasing the number of BIPOC directors, producers, and writers, who can bring their unique perspectives and experiences to the film industry.
Diversity and inclusion from a BIPOC point of view are critical issues that must be addressed in the film industry. BIPOC individuals deserve to see themselves represented and celebrated in film and to have equal opportunities to succeed in the industry. We can help create a more just and equitable society by working to increase diversity and inclusion.