Acting is a creative form of representation. As an audience, we are meant to be able to identify similarities between us and the characters within the story.
However, it is apparent that this is not always the case.
Whitewashing is a term often used to describe the casting method through which white actors are hired to play roles originally meant for non-white characters. This controversial process is said to be as old as the industry itself and despite widespread criticism whitewashing still happens today.
After the severe scrutiny 2014 film Exodus: Gods and Kings received, director Ridley Scott attempted to justify the practice of whitewashing his cast by saying: “Say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such, I’m just not going to get it financed. So the question doesn’t even come up.”
The film, set in Egypt, tells the story of the battle between Moses (played by British actor Christian Bale) and Pharaoh Ramses (played by Australian actor Joel Edgerton).
The film received mixed reviews and Scott’s comments prompted plenty of criticism.
A lack of diversity is not just obvious in film, but in theatre too.
While visiting the 13th Dubai International Film Festival, Samuel L. Jackson, gave us an interesting glimpse of his experience within theatre during the 1980s.
“It was a very engaging period during my life,” said Jackson, who is also Diff’s lifetime achievement award recipient. “I was there at a really burgeoning time for actors of colour.”
During this time, Jackson was part of the Negro Ensemble Company (NEC) production of A Soldier’s Play. Since the 1960s, the NEC has facilitated outlets for the wealth of African American theatrical talent in the USA, and has provided constant backing for actors, directors, and writers.
So, it appears that the light at the end of the tunnel has now become more visible. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, has worked to implement changes for a more assorted membership. It was her first time at Diff.
“In 2016, the mandate is inclusion in all of the Academy’s facets: gender, race, ethnicity…,” said Boone Isaacs.
The fact that she herself is a woman and African-American, means that she is able to add a unique perspective into the Academy’s board.
“The issue of inclusion is constantly being discussed, situations are being rectified and the more that happens, the more that it’ll hopefully become normal,” said Boone Isaacs.
Perhaps the Oscar nominations of 2017 will be a signpost of change; for example, Ethiopian-Irish actress Ruth Negga is predicted to be nominated.
Jackson concluded his own thoughts on diversity in film by saying: “Last year we had the #OscarSowhite rhetoric … this year seems to be different.” And perhaps it will be. We can only hope.
Go to dubaifilmfest.com
— The Young Journalist Award (YJA) at Diff is a training programme for high school and university students who are aspiring writers and reporters. Eight students are competing at the festival this year. One winner will secure a month-long internship with Gulf News.