Heartland Film Signs Gender Parity Pledge
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndianapolis-based Heartland Film Inc., the nonprofit organizer of the 28th Annual Heartland International Film Festival and Indy Shorts International Film Festival has announced its commitment to the 5050×2020 parity pledge. Both festivals say they will reach film director gender parity in their lineups by 2020.
As part of the pledge, Heartland Film will publish statistics listing the gender of its selection committees, submitting filmmakers, and selected filmmakers in an effort to give more transparency to the variety of genders involved in film making.
“A common myth is that women aren’t making films or they’re not submitting to festivals,” said Heartland Film Film Programming Coordinator Julia Ricci in a news release. “That is far from the truth. The talent is out there and they have something to say; it is important for film festivals to amplify these voices and provide equal opportunity across the board. Heartland’s track record of recognizing and honoring female filmmakers is growing stronger each year, and I’m thrilled that we are officially committing to this initiative.”
By taking the Pledge, festivals commit to compile statistics of gender and race of the directors of all the films submitted to selection. They must also make public the race and gender of the cast and crew, selection committees, programmers, consultants, executive boards, board of directors and draft a timeline to create total gender equality within those jobs.
Festivals that have taken the pledge include Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival and LA Film Festival, among others.
The Heartland International Film Festival and Indy Shorts International Film Festival are both currently accepting submissions. Interested applicants can learn more information by clicking here.