BFI, Diversity in Cannes, Time’s UP UK and British Blacklist celebrate black women in International Film
Over 150 women gather as momentum & recognition of black female filmmaking talent builds.
LONDON, UK 21 May 2024: BFI and Diversity in Cannes with support from Times Up UK and The British Blacklist returned to Cannes Film Festival to spotlight and celebrate Black women in international film. Over 150 women gathered at a networking lunch for Black women in film, an event which has grown exponentially since it began some years ago with just 15 people.
Melanie Hoyes, Director of Inclusion at the BFI, said:
“The increasing numbers of Black Women, marginalised genders, and their allies attending this event speaks to how critical this solidarity is at the Cannes Film Festival. It is a privilege to hold space for this joyful community which represents, celebrates, and elevates the incredibly talented Black Women who continue to endure in the screen industry in spite of the multitude of barriers that face them. Creating a sense of belonging for this phenomenal group of is a personal highlight. It’s an honour to share and connect with them and I look forward to continuing doing so alongside our wonderful partners for many years to come.”
Heather Rabbatts, Chair of Times Up UK, said:
“Time’s Up UK is delighted to be part of celebrating Black women filmmakers at Cannes this year. It underlined the amazing talent that all our Black filmmakers are bringing to this industry and the urgent need for greater recognition and support from financiers, distribution, and our other partners. The various award ceremonies and Cannes Film Festival are essential moments in the film calendar to re-state the importance of diversity even if the backdrop is still unrepresentative. And we were delighted this year to launch our new campaign alongside The PMA Diverse Squad – a working group of eight non-white female agents, the British Blacklist, and Garden Studios to ensure the hair and makeup experience on set is professional, fair and equal in bid to amend a history of discrimination against Black and global majority actors.”
Akua Gyamfi, Founder of the British Blacklist, said:
“Collaborating with the BFI, Diversity in Cannes and Time’s Up UK to pull together the Black women in film lunch in Cannes again, was everything and more than I envisioned. And to be able to raise awareness of issues such as the discrimination Black women are facing on set when it comes to hair and makeup provision is demonstration of the essential work that we can do together as a collective. This lunch in Cannes successfully brought together Black women working in the industry from across the globe, who connected, built new or strengthened relationships, and created a sense of community. We look forward to continuing to build our network.”
Yolonda Brinkley, Founder of Diversity in Cannes, said:
“Do Better was our message to Cannes Film Festival leadership in May 2022 as in their 75-year history, they’d only selected one black women in competition. Two years later the number has increased to two. They continue to disregard us. Therefore, Diversity in Cannes is delighted to partner with the BFI, The British Blacklist and Times Up UK to provide a safe space to acknowledge, celebrate, support and uplift black women in Cannes. The Black Women’s Lunch was a tremendous success, as were the other events launched as a part of Black Women Cannes, an initiative created to meet the needs of Black women in film at the Cannes Film Festival. I look forward to its continued evolution.”
ENDS
PRESS CONTACTS
Colette Geraghty, Senior PR Manager, Corporate, Industry & Partnerships
colette.geraghty@bfi.org.uk / +44 (0)7771 980 231
Tina McFarling, Head of Corporate & Industry Communications:
+44 (0)7879 421 578 / email: tina.mcfarling@bfi.org.uk
Rebecca Ladbury, Ladbury Communications:
+44 (0)7941 224 975 / email: rebecca@ladburypr.com
NOTES TO EDITORS
About the BFI
We are a cultural charity, a National Lottery distributor, and the UK’s lead organisation for film and the moving image. Our mission is:
- To support creativity and actively seek out the next generation of UK storytellers
- To grow and care for the BFI National Archive, the world’s largest film and television archive
- To offer the widest range of UK and international moving image culture through our programmes and festivals – delivered online and in venue
- To use our knowledge to educate and deepen public appreciation and understanding
- To work with Government and industry to ensure the continued growth of the UK’s screen industries
Founded in 1933, the BFI is a registered charity governed by Royal Charter.
The BFI Board of Governors is chaired by Jay Hunt.
About Time’s Up UK
Time’s Up UK is an organisation that insists on safe, fair and dignified work for everyone. We do this by identifying, creating and implementing significant and impactful interventions for lasting change amplifying the work of our partners and friends, by creative connections and advocacy. Our very first red carpet when we launched back in February 2018 saw us walk with activists to share the stage as we began our campaign against bullying, harassment, and abuse, which has so long been part of the DNA of our industry. From the casting couch to ‘sex sells’, women have been mistreated in front and behind the camera.
Our work from the outset has always been one of collaboration and shared purpose, with allies, women’s organisations, and grass roots campaigns. We have acted as a convenor and partner to join forces with others to shift the dial together. No grand gestures and policy statements, but practical and meaningful intervention to push cultural change.
About Diversity In Cannes
Created in 2010 by Yolonda Brinkley, Diversity in Cannes is an independent film movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival, established to promote the presence of underrepresented filmmakers sharing authentic stories about marginalized populations during the Cannes Film Festival. Specifically, the grassroots initiative provides a platform for globally diverse filmmakers to promote their talents, present their work and expand their international network during the Cannes Film Festival.
