Research findings
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The conversations in the focus groups and interviews were wide ranging. Though a set of inquiry questions were prepared (for a full list, see Appendix A), the participants directed the dialogue toward various topics, building on each other’s opinions and observations, providing advice and support, and sometimes offering differing points of view.
Below, we describe themes that emerged and share related experiences and perspectives from BIWOC in their own words. (Note: Many of the quotes have been edited for clarity and to preserve the anonymity of the participants.) Together, they give a textured picture of BIWOC’s experiences. We see these as a few areas of importance deserving of more attention and discussion in the sector.
Most of the themes are related to obstacles BIWOC face; this is a result of the research question, which focussed on identifying barriers and surfacing challenges. It goes without saying that BIWOC also experience triumph and success, but this was not the focus of our inquiry. However, one question asked participants to reflect on the particular strengths BIWOC bring to film and TV: What are some of the strengths that you as an individual, and BIWOC in general, bring to the table?
Not all participants identify or agree with the experiences and interpretations described in our findings. There were differences and disagreements among participants, and this was expected. In looking to capture a broad spectrum of experiences, we knew it would be impossible to definitively and comprehensively illustrate the realities of all racialized and Indigenous women and non-binary people in the Metro Vancouver film and television industry. However, the vast diversity among BIWOC in film and TV is a quality we hope to bright to light in this project.
Barriers to Breaking Into the Industry
Breaking into the screen industries can be hard at the best of times. For BIWOC, getting a foot in the door can feel can feel like a pipe dream. The lack of representation on screen is both a symbol and symptom of how welcome BIWOC are in the industry.
Harassment and Discrimination
For all the participants, racism and sexism are part of the reality of working in the industry. At every level and no matter their role, BIWOC reported microaggressions, casual racism, and incidents of outward harassment and discrimination.
Tokenism and Stereotyping
While conversations about equity, representation, diversity, and inclusion have taken off in the media, participants noted a lack of meaningful inclusion of marginalized voices in the industry and a focus on the appearance of diversity instead.
Lateral Violence
“Lateral violence” describes when members of an oppressed group become the oppressor by directing abuse to people of their own gender, culture, sexuality, or profession. Instead of directing their anger at the oppressor, these workplace or community aggressors direct their anger toward their peers or community members.
Anti-Black Racism
In July 2020, over 50 Black Canadian entertainment professionals signed an open letter to Steven Guilbeault. The letter stated that projects by Black writers, showrunners, directors and producers are systemically under-financed and under-supported.
Structural and Cultural Challenges
In a contemporary context, mainstream films still work to normalize white supremacy, patriarchal attitudes, and colonial ideology.
The Unique Strengths of BIWOC
Experiencing discrimination and isolation lends BIWOC the ability to connect with other underrepresented communities and create more caring, sustainable, and successful sets and teams through empathy, vulnerability, humour, and compassion.
Conclusion
The systemic barriers for Black, Indigenous, and other racialized women and non-binary people in the film and television industry have emotional and material impacts. Removing those barriers may require time, effort, and energy, but the solutions are not complicated.