The 71st annual Cannes Film Festival presently being held in France had an interesting turn of events on May 18th. Highlighting the prolonged issue of lack of diversity and inclusion in the French film industry, 16 black actresses staged a protest against inequality and racism at the annual film festival this year.
This initiative came about after the jury president, Cate Blanchett launched her own call on gender discrimination. Led by actress Aissa Maiga, they aimed to promote their upcoming book, titled "Noire N'est Pas Mon Metier" (My Profession is Not Black).
Aissa Maigaa stated that "It's a historic moment. It was beyond my wildest dreams. For 20 years, I've been acting, and I've never felt like this," She further described Cannes as the perfect platform to reach out their voices and change the preconceived opinions. "It will change structures in society. For me, the most important thing is that this collective of 16 women will become a movement," marked Maiga. With this, We can expect to see the real France on screen soon.
The protest along with Maiga, included Beausson-Diagne, Mata Gabin, Maimouna Gueye, Eye Haidara, Rachel Khan, Sara Martins, Marie-Philomene Nga, Sabine Pakora, Firmine Richard, Sonia Rolland, Magaajyia Silberfeld, Shirley Souagnon, Assa Sylla, Karidja Toure, and France Zobda.