Unless you live under a rock, the following won’t come as a surprise, yet it still bears repeating: Cannes is not overly concerned about diversity or inclusion. Despite pledging to do better in terms of its gender representation, only four of the fest’s 24 Competition titles are directed by women this year. Since 2005, Cannes’ Competition has never included more than four features from women filmmakers, and, on average, women only comprised about 16 percent of directors who screened films from 2017-2019. During that same time frame, only five percent of Cannes directors were women of color.
Fortunately, plenty of people recognize how far Cannes is lagging behind in terms of diversity, equity, and representation. Diversity in Cannes, an independent global film movement that has been advocating for inclusion at the fest since 2010, has confirmed its post-pandemic return to the Croisette. A press release has announced its lineup for Diversity Day 2021, which will take place July 12 at Hotel Gray D’Albion.
Diversity in Cannes creator Yolonda Brinkley is presenting the event alongside Viola Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions and Movikarma, a nonprofit committed to inclusion, equity, and representation in Hollywood.
“This year’s theme, Le Grand Retour: Community Over Competition, pays homage to the 18 participating filmmakers, selected based on their determination to reclaim their lives after quarantine and their willingness to travel to Cannes to promote inclusion at the world’s most prestigious film event, where diversity isn’t the first priority,” the release details. “The largest cohort to date, the filmmakers hale from the Belgium, Canada, Russia, the United States, and the United Kingdom, sharing narratives about marginalized populations, that transcend boundaries.”
“I am honored to host such diverse, talented filmmakers in Cannes, as just two weeks ago, they inspired me to action with their decisiveness. Without a solid plan from me, they said YES, followed by kind words and positive energy, motivating me to say YES to Diversity in Cannes’ return to the Croisette for Diversity Day,” explains Brinkley. “In a sea of doubt, they were my life raft, encouraging the continuation of my efforts to promote inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival. For that, they are the real MVP’s and I’m eternally grateful.”
Diversity Day will consist of three sections: the Community over Competition Short Film Showcase, featuring the aforementioned 18 filmmakers; a networking reception and awards presentation; and a Cannes Conversations with 2021 Diversity in Cannes Global Film Excellence Award recipients Jimmy Jean-Louis and Sean Baker. Diversity in Cannes will also be hosting a few virtual events this year, including a diversity roundtable, an information session about the BFI’s UK Global Screen Fund, and a live script reading of a social justice-themed short film that is set to premiere at Diversity Day 2022.
“We are beyond excited with Yolonda Brinkley’s decision to return the Cannes Film Festival and are ecstatic to join forces with her again as she independently promotes diversity and inclusion,” Tennon said. “As we continue to navigate the global pandemic, we must be vigilant in support of those creating opportunities and making space for diverse voices and content globally.”
Check out the Diversity Day short film lineup below, courtesy of Diversity in Cannes.
“A For Alpha” by Greg Cally
“(Dis)Connected” by Canedy Knowles
“Big Day” by Anastasia Sergeeva
“Coal in Their Veins” by Dalit Merhav
“Cupcake” by Courtney Grace
“Dreamer” by Vergi Rodrigues, Diana Zollicoffer
“Duvar” by Brittney London
“Gifted” by Kaisan Rei
“Grounded” by Annie LeClair
“Honey and Clover: A Recipe for Disaster” by Andrea Maxwell
“LE CHOIX” by Sarah Kasmi
“NOAH” by Monty Marsh
“Operation: WhiteBoy” by Kasey Weldon-Salas
“Retribution” by Mel Orpen
“The End of the World” by Sarah Lang
“The Night It Rained” by Lamont Lamar
“The Stranger” by Aubrey Rinehart
“TNC” by Bobby Huntley
