For years, critics have sounded off about the lack of diversity in nominations in the Academy Awards. Social media commentators have used the hashtag, #OscarsSoWhite, to share their disappointment.
Just like the Academy Awards, the Cannes Film Festival, considered the world's most prestigious film festival, also has been called out for lack of diversity.
Enters Yolonda Brinkley, creator of Diversity in Cannes, an independent filmmaker movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival. Due to the continued conversation regarding the lack of diversity in the festival, Yolanda felt it necessary to encourage the presence of marginalized and underrepresented filmmakers as well as celebrating their achievements at the world's most prestigious film festival.
Yolonda joins me in the BalmShelter to talk about why diversity is important, key challenges she encountered while promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival, and advice and insights on a topic that is a top priority for so many of us.
https://diversityincannes.com