Inclusion and
Diversity Outreach

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) is committed to advancing great storytelling that reflects the diverse viewpoints and experiences of all creators and audiences. That’s why the MPA is working hard to address issues of diversity, gender equality, and social responsibility in the film and television industry. By establishing programs to promote a diverse talent pipeline, creating new partnerships, and sharing what we learn, we hope to lead by example.

Inclusion and Outreach

MPA Chairman and CEO Senator Chris Dodd established the MPA’s Inclusion and Multicultural Outreach program in 2012, appointing the MPA’s John Gibson to serve as the Advisor for Inclusion and Multicultural Outreach.

Across the Asia Pacific region, we are involved in a number of film industry organizations which promote inclusion and diversity with their communities.

Regionally, we partner with the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and their associated Academy of over 1,100 filmmakers, whose focus is on unique stories from every corner of the Asia Pacific; with Tropfest, the largest short film festival in the world; Learn more below:

Feature Stories

Click below to read feature blog posts and news coverage on MPA Inclusion & Outreach events, partner programs, and stories from creatives and industry stakeholders:

Regional Events

Tropfest Australia – MPA supported Tropfest Australia in Sydney on February 11, where 16 finalists screened their short films to an audience of 70,000, and thousands more in televised and online programing. The winner, Matt Day with his film The Mother Situation, receives a 5-day film immersion course in Los Angeles, supported by the MPA and the Australian Screen Association.

Tropfest New Zealand – MPA supported Tropfest New Zealand in New Plymouth on February 18, where 16 finalists screened their short films. The winners, Mary Rinaldi and Sasha Nixon with their film The Anniversary, receives a 5-day film immersion course in Los Angeles, supported by the MPA and the New Zealand Screen Association.

Outreach & Partnership Programs

Asia Pacific Screen Awards – The MPA partnered with the Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) since its inception in 2007 to recognize and promote the cinematic excellent and cultural diversity of the vast Asia Pacific region. Covering one-third of the Earth, the 70 countries and areas of the Asia Pacific are home to 4.5 billion people and produce half the world’s film. Over the last decade, thousands of feature length films have competed in the APSAs; films that demonstrate a rich slate of diversity – each telling its own story, in its own way, from its country of origin. In addition, APSA’s Academy Film Fund program supports the script development of four new film projects each year. APSA, endorsed by UNESCO and FIAPF – International Federation of Film Producers Associations, aims to build a greater understanding of diversity across cultures. Learn more here.

TROPFEST – Regarded as the largest short film festival in the world, the MPA has partnered with Tropfest as its first global partner since 2012. The film festival has hosted events in Australia, New Zealand, New York, Las Vegas, Thailand, Abu Dhabi – where it screened films from young filmmakers all across the Arab states, and Malaysia – where Tropfest Southeast Asia welcomed films from Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, East Timor, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia and Singapore. Tropfest aims to provide a showcase for young, talented filmmakers. It attracts tens of thousands of film lovers to live events every year. In 2017, Tropfest Australia was pleased to announce an equal make up between male and female finalist filmmakers. Learn more here. Read a blog from Tropfest New Zealand 2016 winner Hannah Taylor here.

The Motion Picture Association (MPA) is committed to advancing great storytelling that reflects the diverse viewpoints and experiences of all creators and audiences.

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