Women and Hollywood — alongside 5050×2020, Le Deuxieme Regard, and TIME’S UP — is excited to report that the Toronto International Film Festival has signed the Gender Parity Pledge. Joining the likes of Cannes, Locarno, Venice, and more, TIFF has vowed to work toward better gender representation and inclusion in its lineup, and increase the transparency of its selection process by 2020.
We’re so happy that one of the most influential film festivals in the world has committed itself to equality — and so proud that we’re one of the amazing organizations that helped make it happen.
Check out our, 5050×2020, Le Deuxieme Regard, and TIME’S UP’s full statement below. TIFF runs through September 16.
5050×2020 in conjunction with Le Deuxieme Regard, Women and Hollywood, and TIME’S UP are pleased to announce that The Toronto Film Festival has signed the Film Festival Gender Parity Pledge. The Pledge strives for better gender representation and transparency by the year 2020. It was first introduced at the Cannes Film Festival in 2018, following the march up the red carpet by women from across the world.
We believe that parity restores the balance of power. We believe that diversity deeply changes representations. We are committed to pushing for parity and inclusion because we are certain that the equal sharing of power will promote profound creative renewal.
From now on, we will be tracking all the festivals that have signed, and we will also make sure that people know which festivals are not interested in being transparent and inclusive.
The pledge is only a first step, but it is a crucial one, it will provide all of us with clear and transparent information about 1) the people who make the decisions about films selections in festivals and 2) the diversity of films that are submitted.
We all know Festivals are the first port of call for filmmakers to connect with an audience; as such they have a tremendous responsibility when it comes to making room for diversity.
We look forward to working with the festivals to gather the information they have agreed to share by signing the pledge, and we will continue working towards more transparency and accountability throughout our industry.
