SXSW brings audiences an inside look into the fundamentals of the film and TV industry. The following are the Top 5 panels discussing the importance of diversity within the industry. The Film & TV Industry sessions will be held March 9-13.
An Asian American Lens on Diversity in Film
Top independent film professionals will discuss Asian American cinema and the various challenges experienced by underrepresented filmmakers, specifically through the process of a film’s idea of distribution. Additionally, the panel will examine the path towards inclusion in the film industry. The panelists include PJ Raval from Unravel Pictures, Sandhya Shardanand, Yen Tan from Otto is the One, and Julie Whang from Tugg.
Monday, March 12
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Austin Convention Center – Room 17B
Featured image: Pexels
Backwards and in Heels: Women in Film
Film reporter Alicia Malone from Fandango will discuss her first book “Backwards and in Heels,” where she takes a look at women in Hollywood throughout history. Moreover, she sheds light on the barriers women encounter in the film industry, as well as solutions to these issues. Her book includes interviews with actors and filmmakers, including Geena Davis, Ava DuVernay, and J.J. Abrams.
Sunday, March 11
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center – Room 10AB
Featured image: Unspalsh
Diversity in Late Night and News
Jenny Hagel and Amber Ruffin from NBCUniversal, who are writers and performers for “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” will discuss how diversity has made a difference in comedy and news on television. They will be joined by Joy Reid from MSNBC to delve further into the topic.
Sunday, March 11
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fairmont – Wisteria Room
Featured image: Pexels
The Female Voices of Twitter
Female film experts will provide advice for aspiring journalists and filmmakers, as well as give voice to these women pursuing roles in the industry. Film reporter Alicia Malone from Fandango will discuss the importance of the female voice in film commentary and social media. She will be joined by Monica Castillo from New York Times, Jacqueline Coley from Rotten Tomatoes, and Amy Nicholson from Variety.
Sunday, March 11
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Austin Convention Center – Room 16AB
Featured image: Unsplash
#OscarsSoWhite: What’s Next for Entertainment?
Following the creation of #OscarsSoWhite in 2015, the Academy shifted to make changes to its structure, as well as its mindset in regard to the inclusion of traditionally underrepresented communities. The panel will discuss these improvements in 2018 films and television shows. The panelists include Matthew Cherry from Cherry Entertainment, April Reign, and Robin Thede from BET.
Sunday, March 11
3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Austin Convention Center – Room 17B
Featured image: Unsplash