As originally published on our Newsletter on June 6, 2020
Dear reader, this message will be a little longer than usual.
Film Inquiry stands with the #BlackLivesMatter movement and all individuals who are risking their lives and livelihoods by going out to protest the systemic inequalities both in the United States and abroad.
Film Inquiry observed #BlackOutTuesday; we rescheduled our articles to publish a day later and temporarily put our social media output on hold for the day. But we want to let you know, this is not all we do.
Film Inquiry’s mission has long stated that we “publish in-depth, high-quality articles written by a diverse group of people, valuing intersectionality and a global perspective.” We are but a small platform with little to no means, and our writers volunteer their contributions, but we have always supported Black and other marginalized critics. We have provided a voice and platform for new writers and have written many recommendation letters; many have gone on to be accepted into other writing jobs, or went on to become filmmakers. We’ve written recommendation letters for both professors to recommend them for tenure, and for students, who got accepted into film or writing programs. What little power we had to help them in return for their amazing work – we leveraged it.
Moreover, I myself have long been an active volunteer and member of the Hollywood social action group Women of Color Unite. I would urge any woman of color working in the film industry – critic, creative or exec – to join this group for its amazing connections and resources. It is the largest non-profit of women of color that is working to hold entertainment companies accountable. They are risking their own lives and careers to challenge hiring practices, and are getting the institutions to commit to fair access, fair treatment and fair pay for women of color working in the entertainment industry.
This week, Women of Color Unite is achieving real change within Hollywood and, along with The Bitch Pack, are currently using the #Startwith8Hollywood hashtag to get individual showrunners, screenwriters, producers, executives, directors, casting directors and more, to commit to each mentoring 8 women of color into the film industry. If you are passionate about the film industry, and about representation in film – Women of Color Unite is a very worthy group to donate to. They are completely funded by donations and charge no fees to their members.
Due to my personal beliefs that Hollywood as well as film journalism need to change, there has always been an activist undertone to Film Inquiry. We will always be a safe space to any person – we are unconditionally inclusive and do not tolerate hate in any form. For us, this is business as usual.
What can you do, as a film fan?
Support Black and other marginalized filmmakers by watching their films on streaming platforms and, once we can, in theaters. Hype their films on Twitter and in person, amplify their voices. Don’t just watch films that portray Black suffering. Educate yourself on Black and other marginalized filmmakers like you would learn about others. The mainstream audience’s lack of attention for this group of filmmakers and lack of coverage by other press outlets (and their dismal hiring practices) have greatly contributed to Hollywood thinking we don’t care. Hold Hollywood and the press machine accountable for deciding for us what we want to watch.
By showing you care, you will influence what type of movies Hollywood greenlights – and gives proper distribution to. Let the streamers and the studios know that you want to see these stories. Help pave the way for current and future Black and other marginalized filmmakers. You as the audience are more powerful than you think.
Lastly, please consider becoming a Patron of Film Inquiry. With your support we can continue to disrupt film journalism.
We’re still in this together.
– Manon de Reeper
CEO & Founder (previously Editor-In-Chief) of Film Inquiry
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