The Unique Strengths of BIWOC

Despite the host of struggles they face in the industry, when we asked participants, “What are some of the strengths that you as an individual, and BIWOC in general, bring to the table?” they answered broadly and expansively. 

Some participants spoke to how their marginalized position within the industry and society gives them unique perspectives and approaches to storytelling and leading, at times giving them access to communities and stories cis, straight, white filmmakers simply cannot. 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. It also gives them experiential knowledge of how power can be abused and how to work against creating those dynamics on set.

“We make other people feel seen.”

“I think [BIWOC bring] a vulnerability and empathy that a lot of white male directors won't be able to have because they have never lived a life where their existence is either shamed or threatened.”

“As a woman of colour, I understand that nurturing people is better as a leader than putting people in their place…. People’s emotions should be prioritized over making money.” 

“The most marginalized groups are the ones who are the most empathetic by nature. And so it just allows for more depth in terms of storytelling.“

“There's a reason why most oppressed groups are oppressed. And it's because they shine the brightest. And I think BIPOC women are just phenomenal in terms of just not only the way that we look, but we all come from such rich cultures, whether we’re extremely tied to it or loosely tied to it. It's just instilled in us in our blood. It's a different creative approach to telling stories. It's the ability to display more character development, because there's more nuance in us and who we are.”

One participant spoke specifically about being a newcomer to Canada as an adult, and gaining a new perspective about her strengths as a storyteller.

“Language is also a power. For a long time, I felt like that [my English language skills were] a weakness. But after finishing my documentary — and the documentary is the story of new immigrants — I actually feel empowered, and I feel like my strength is also different languages and bringing new perspectives.

“Although it is a struggle, you just have to face it and embrace that. And just do your best and continue creating your work.” 

Similarly, others spoke to the expertise and skillfulness in BIWOC that is often overlooked, challenging the myth of meritocracy often used to justify non-diverse casts and crews. 

“In my experience, women of colour and Indigenous people are just incredibly adaptable and really hardworking. I think that's why I want people on set that look like me and aren’t the just same old thing. We’re good at solving problems.”

BIWOC make space for other BIWOC through mentorship, community building, breaking glass ceilings, and hiring. After gaining some success, many BIWOC consider it a responsibility to “pay it forward” and uplift other BIWOC. A few participants credited specific filmmakers in the room for motivating them to continue in the local industry and showing the potential for a different kind of leadership.

Echoing the findings from the 2019 and 2021 Women In View On Screen Reports, participants agreed that BIWOC leaders are the critical force in opening the doors for more BIWOC in the industry. Increasing the visibility and presence of BIWOC on-screen, behind the camera, at industry events, and in advocacy roles has a tremendously positive impact on the diversity and inclusivity of the screen-based production industry and inspires other BIWOC to start or continue working in film and television.

“I love whenever I see a person of colour or a woman in a position of power or on-screen. I’m instantly interested, even if it’s a commercial. I just think we’re so beautiful and it’s so engaging.” 

“I'm learning the importance of doing things on your own, starting my own company, working through yourself and using that as a platform to uplift others so it becomes very empowering at the same time.” 

“My role in the film industry is also to help other female filmmakers.”

“When you're in a room full of BIWOC folk, you just feel so invigorated.”