Barriers to Diversity in Film – A Research Review – Aug 07

as the key intervention in diversity emphasises the ‘colour’ of
individuals, for example, and does not see them as filmmakers who
happen to be black. It encourages ghettoisation. The diversity schemes
introduced by visual arts organisations come to be viewed as ‘second
rate’ and separate, and do not help minority ethnic people to enter the
mainstream as equals but instead keep them at the margins (Dyer
2007).
Key arguments need to be set out as to why an initiative is critical and
involving all staff in the organisation/s involved will be important for
its success. There may be important decisions to be made in widening
access to certain initiatives for all staff, but maintaining a ‘quota’ of
participants from under-represented groups. There may also be a
need to launch initiatives for all differing groups simultaneously,
depending on the best strategic plan for their needs.
In the USA, four positive action initiatives aimed at black and minority
Americans were discussed in a recent article. The National Black
Programming Consortium (NBPC) was set up in 1979 in response to a
lack of black programming in public service broadcasting and is
funded by the Corporation of Public Broadcasting. The Consortium
funds 80% documentaries and 20% narrative films, though the latter
are unfortunately not always aired. Several films have been shown at
festivals and won prizes. The NBPC has been criticised for funding
experienced producers, but NBPC says it is willing to take chances on
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