BAFTA So White, Then What?
Suddenly, the hashtag is taking over social media as people are expressing the oft-repeated displeasure of racism in the film industry in the UK. The last event the unwillingness of some stakeholders to see the society we all want where diversity and its fruits reign.
The lack of diversity in the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) has been a longstanding issue, and it’s a complex problem with multiple contributing factors. One of the main reasons is that the film industry as a whole has historically been dominated by white voices and perspectives, which has made it difficult for diverse talent to break through and gain recognition.
Additionally, the membership of BAFTA itself has been criticized for being predominantly white and male, which can influence the types of films and performances that are nominated for awards. While BAFTA has made efforts to diversify its membership in recent years, progress has been slow or the whole show towards diversity had been dishonest.
Another factor is the broader systemic issues of racism and inequality in society, which limits opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to enter the film industry and succeed.
Addressing the lack of diversity in BAFTA and the film industry as a whole will require a sustained effort from all stakeholders, including filmmakers, studios, industry organizations, and society as a whole.
What can the Black community do? While the Black community works with other stakeholders in ensuring that diversity is reflected in the film industry, as in every other sectors of society, it is high time that the Black community created its own platform to recognise Black and other ethnic minorities who are doing exceptionally well.
As a Trustee in the Creative Arts industry, here are some steps that Black people in the UK could consider take:
Build A Coalition: Identify and connect with individuals and organisations within the black community who are interested in creating a film academy awards.
Define The Vision and Mission: Develop a clear and compelling vision and mission statement for the Arts industry that reflects the values and goals of the black community in the UK. This could include a focus on promoting diversity, inclusion, and representation in the film industry, supporting emerging talent, and recognizing excellence in filmmaking.
Develop A Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan that outlines the key elements, including the budget, funding sources, award categories, eligibility criteria, judging criteria, and timeline. Consider the resources and partnerships needed to successfully launch and sustain the film industry.
Build Partnerships: Identify and cultivate partnerships with other organisations and stakeholders who can provide support and resources, such as film festivals, industry associations, sponsors, and media outlets.
Launch and Promote: Once the planning and development phase is complete, launch the film academy awards and promote them widely through a variety of channels, and partnerships with other organizations.
Creating a film academy awards in the UK would require a significant amount of time, effort, and resources, but with careful planning and execution, it could provide a valuable platform for promoting diversity, inclusion, and excellence in filmmaking.
Have an amazing week
