The conversation began with the question of how things have changed in the last couple of years following the murder of George Floyd, which animated many conversations among the public, but more specifically what true representation and inclusion looks like in the media and entertainment sectors.
Tavares-Rance, whose annual film festival is produced by Run & Shoot Filmworks and was established in 2002, spoke about the challenges of securing sponsorship in the early years. Companies would often mention other Black-owned film festivals as competitors, “but wouldn’t do that with Sundance, Tribeca and Telluride,” she said.
“Every year, a student from my class at USC has a film at Sundance, and I’m very proud of that,” Mashariki said. “For me, finding and connecting with people isn’t just about the level, I make space for mentorship. … The C-suite is great, but many of us are never going to get there if you don’t have a couch to cry on, if you feel like you don’t fit.”
🙏🙏🙏