Over the recent past, calls for diversity in film have been louder. Nowadays, celebrities speak out the loudest, and by doing so, the inclusion debate is not just being acknowledged in mainstream circles but is also widely talked about. The voices that seek to challenge old and new hierarchies—race, gender, culture, and sexuality are those of actors, directors, and producers that herald to moviegoers that films can reflect society or alter it. From the Oscars stage to the social media, public figures are once again repeating that representation of every kind makes cinema richer and society less painful.
The first and foremost reason for the demand for a better degree of diversity in cinema is authentic representation. Neneh or Riz Ahmed speaks of how incomplete, nuanced portrayals have systematically excluded much scope for those at the margins and enforced more stereotypes. According to Davis, “The only thing that separates women of colour from anyone else is opportunity.” Notably, a statement from the first Muslim actor who won an Emmy proposed his plea to the industry that it encourages genuine stories about Muslims and not merely stereotypes.
Diverse films can also resonate with broad audiences. Lupita Nyong’o and Simu Liu, among other stars, have shared with the world how seeing characters who look and live like them on-screen helps them feel they “belong.” Liu became history when Marvel made him the first Asian superhero of the company, and he celebrated the success of the film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings as a testament that there is definite global demand for stories that celebrate various cultures. The lady has further mentioned that ‘Black Panther’ did not only depict African culture but also proved the wrong saying about diversity and commercial success not going hand in hand. Celebrities are asking for ‘equity behind the scenes, not just on screen’. Producer-actor Michael B. Jordan has been an advocate for more inclusive casting practices, demanding that casts be representative of diverse talent among directors’, writers’, and production staff. Documentarian and director Ava DuVernay has also led the way as a strong advocate for women’s and minorities’ voices through empowerment in leadership positions.
Many public figures believe that diversity in film is a key to creating empathy. It is because varied storytelling delivers different perspectives toward an audience, thereby creating better understanding and finally breaking cultural barriers. “Films are a way for us to connect beyond language, beyond borders,” notes actress Yalitza Aparicio, star of ‘Roma’.
The film diversity movement is indeed gathering momentum by the power of voices from celebrities and audiences that are making this industry shape up to welcome more space for stories laced with the material of humanity that shapes us.
