Launch to mark upcoming celebration of 2019 International Women’s Day
Toronto, ON (March 4, 2019) — ACTRA production and award-winning short film Reel Women Seen is now publicly available to stream via ACTRA National’s YouTube channel for use as an advocacy tool. The short film brings awareness to the gender inequalities that exist in Canada’s film and television, which coincides with the International Women’s Day 2019 theme of calling for a more gender-balanced world.
Directed by Amanda Tapping and written by Elvira Kurt, Reel Women Seen is a nation-wide collaborative effort of the ACTRA National Women’s Committee created to encourage change amongst key decision-makers in the film and television industry. The short film takes a comedic look at how women are underrepresented in all areas of screen-based media, most notably: as protagonists; behind the scenes in creative, writing and directorial roles; and in key technical roles. While telling the stories of realities faced by women in the film and television industry, the short film also shows solutions for change.
“We started our project to raise awareness of the inequalities that exist in our industry both in Canada and around the world. Everyone who worked so tirelessly on the short film has been touched by the reception it has received and the changes it inspires. We hope this continues its release for public use,” said Reel Women Seen producer Heather Allin.
“The ACTRA members and crew involved in the production of this short film deserve a round of applause. Without a doubt, it was the contribution of their time and talent that led to its success,” said ACTRA National President David Sparrow. “We hope decision-makers in our industry as well as the many other industries where gender inequality still exists take to heart the message the short film instills and take action to make real change.”
To date, Reel Women Seen has been screened at 40+ festivals and events across Canada and around the world and has won a total of four festival awards: Jury Choice Award (2018 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase); Best Director Award (2018 Canadian Diversity Film Festival); Festival Director Award (2018 Toronto Independent Film Festival); and Best Short Film Award (2018 Imagine This Women’s International Film Festival). For more information about the short film, including how to view as well as cast/crew information, please visit www.actra.ca/reelwomenseen.
About the ACTRA National Women’s CommitteeThe ACTRA National Women’s Committee has a mandate to explore the issues of all female ACTRA Members, raise awareness of these issues, and support women both within ACTRA and the industry.
About ACTRAACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists) is the national union of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of over 25,000 members across the country – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.
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Media Contact:
Carol Taverner, Public Relations Officer, ACTRA National, tel: 416.644.1519, email: ctaverner@actra.ca