Unpacking Sovereignty and Curatorial Justice (Cannes Docs Panel - Curated by DAE)

Docs in Orbit

Panel discussion presented at Cannes Docs 2023 at the Marché du Film, Festival de Cannes on May 20, 2023 and curated in partnership with the DAE - Documentary Association of Europe
Parts of the independent film industry are currently engaged in a crucial discussion about the need for more equitable and accountable curation in film programming and selection processes. More and more filmmakers and industry stakeholders alike are openly questioning the traditional power structures that have historically influenced art and cultural institutions intending to achieve diversity, inclusion, and representation at all levels.

This panel discussion explores the latest curatorial trends, sustainable career paths, and effective audience engagement strategies from the filmmaker's perspective. Panelists from diverse geographies and artistic backgrounds share their experiences with ethical representation, storytelling, and questions of their sovereignty that they have faced making and disseminating their documentary films. Together, they also delve into how filmmakers navigate the challenges posed by the persistence of selection processes lacking awareness and accountability mechanisms and how they can influence the freedom of the filmmaker's artistic vision of the maker.
MODERATED by Rico Johnson-Sinclair - Race Equality Lead at BFI - BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE
PANELIST - Yolanda Maria Barroso - Creative and executive producer, Malin Hüber - HER Film, Nada Riyadh - Director/Producer Felucca Films, and Paul Sng - Director

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