From the impact of the #MeToo movement to demanding basic facilities for women in the film industry, a host of issues were brought to the fore at “Shift Focus- Women Shaping the Narrative in Media and Entertainment”.
Robert G. Burgess, U.S. Consul-General, said: “Art imitates life and has a huge influence on perceptions of who we are, our life, our style, fashion and cultural norms. Hence, it is especially important to be inclusive in the voices that shape that narrative.” He noted that in countries where women do better, the countries do better too. He said research showed that women reinvest 90% of extra income into health and education of families, but men reinvest a smaller percent.
In the event organised by the Women in Cinema Collective, Sakhi Women’s Resource Centre and the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai, nearly 35 people from the media and entertainment industry, including actors, directors, technicians, producers and journalists participated.
Bringing a change
The event was organised mainly to build awareness and address issues of equality, parity, and safety of women in the industry.
Bina Paul of the Women in Cinema Collective said: “The industry has not been a level-playing field, and there is no environment in the film industry that nurtures and helps women take on leadership positions and change the narrative.” Anna Vetticad, journalist and film critic, said the beauty of the #MeToo movement lay in the solidarity it built.
