The Power of Inclusion Summit was held in Auckland's Aotea Centre 3-4 October. Over 700 people, including 160 who received scholarships, attended the event, hosted by the NZFC and Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI), with support from The Walt Disney Studios. The two-day programme of 21 case studies, panels, conversations and keynotes included 66 speakers, over 30 of whom were international, presenting views from diverse global communities and positing future action to create a more inclusive industry and world.
He Kōrero Tātaki: Te Manu Whakataka Pōkai
Opening Keynotes: The Power of Inclusion
Prime Minister Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern gave the opening keynote, followed by four addresses providing a myriad of perspectives on the power of inclusion.
Speakers: Academy Award® nominated producer and social critic Heather Rae (Frozen River, Tallulah), actor and equality advocate Magda Szubanski (Babe, Kath & Kim), director Heperi Mita (Merata: How Mum Decolonised the Screen), actress and Gen Z activist Yara Shahidi (black-ish, grown-ish).
He Whakawhiti Kōrero: Niko Caro
In Conversation With Niki Caro
Writer and director Niki Caro (Whale Rider, McFarland USA, The Zookeeper’s Wife) joined us from post production on her seventh feature, the much anticipated live action Mulan. Niki talked about helming a big budget production, navigating Hollywood, the female gaze, and demystifying the creative process - from Whale Rider to Mulan.
Moderator: documentary maker Leanne Pooley (The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls, Beyond the Edge, 25 April)
He Whakawhiti Kōrero: Steven Canals
In Conversation With Steven Canals
Creator, writer, director and producer Steven Canals shared the incredible journey of history making show, POSE. From pitching the script, to co-creating the show with Ryan Murphy, its ground-breaking casting and the writers room process, to the evolution from series one to the green lighting of season three.
Moderator: journalist and screenwriter Benjamin Law (The Family Law)
He Āpure Ako: Mahi Atu – Para i Te Huarahi
Case Studies: Doing the Mahi - Paving New Ground
Screen industry renegades each present ideas and actions that have changed the landscape from the ground up, and what they are working on now to actualise their vision for the future of storytelling.
Speakers: The Black List founder and entrepreneur Franklin Leonard, film director and founder of industry parent and carer initiative Raising Films, Hope Dickson Leach (The Levelling), Brown Sugar Apple Grunt producers Kerry Warkia and Kiel McNaughton (Waru, Vai) and activist Maria Giese (This Changes Everything)
Ki Te Toi o Ngā Rangi, E Te Puhi - Te Whakarewatanga Me Te Kākari Mō Te Whakaaturanga Whakaahua A Disney
Disney's Dream Big, Princess Photo Exhibition Launch
Disney’s Dream Big, Princess Photo Exhibition is a curated collection of inspirational photography of real-life women and girls across the world dreaming big. The exhibition reflects the importance of choosing your own path and showcases spectacular imagery from a range of international photographers, featuring the individual dreams and stories of young girls across the globe.
To launch the exhibition, Rotorua based dance troupe, Tareikura, tutored by Tina-Maree Kaipara, performed. Performing are: Taurikura Winitana, Paparapa Rota, Amaaria Bennet, Maia Rapana, Tyler Ngere, Maia Te Rangi, Mihi Te Rangi.
He Kōrerorero: Te Hurihanga
Talks: Being the Change
7 x 6-minute addresses followed by a Q & A.
Seven creators open up about what drives their activism and creative practice, dismantling the systems that hold back our communities, and imagining and actualising new narratives.
Speakers: filmmaker and activist Julie Zhu, actor Ana Scotney, writer, poet and disability activist Henrietta Bollinger, entertainer and Managing Director of Diversity New Zealand Philip Patston, theatre maker and FAFSWAG collaborator Jaycee Tanuvasa, award winning news journalist and co-host of Al Jazeera’s The Stream Malika Bilal.
He Paewhiri: #MeAu, E ahu ana ki hea?
Panel: #MeToo, Where To?
The exposure of widespread sexual misconduct in Hollywood was the catalyst for #MeToo, catapulting significant industry issues into the open and the public eye. Two years on, have things really changed? The panel discussed keeping alive a sense of urgency, ensuring the conversation is intersectional, recruiting accomplices to build momentum and combating the backlash.
Speakers: disruptor and researcher on inclusion in entertainment Dr. Stacy L. Smith, award winning director Nasreen Alkhateeb (East of the River), producer and Screen Women’s Action Group spokesperson Emma Slade (The Changeover, Come to Daddy), Kirsten Schaffer (Executive Director, Women in Film LA)
Moderator: writer, comedian and improvisor Alice Snedden
He Whakawhiti Kōrero Yara Shahidi, Kaiwhakatau, Kaiwhakatūtū Reanga Z
In Conversation with Actress and Gen Z Activist Yara Shahidi
Star of ABC’s Emmy® and Golden Globe® nominated comedy series black-ish and grown- ish, Yara Shahidi has been highlighted on TIME Magazine’s annual “30 Most Influential Teens” list as well as Forbes “30 Under 30” in 2017 and 2018 respectively, in recognition of her television contributions and using her platform for humanitarianism and inspiring change. Join us to hear one of Hollywood’s most heralded young talents speak with news journalist Malika Bilal about activism and storytelling.
Moderator: award winning news journalist and co-host of Al Jazeera’s The Stream Malika Bilal
