Independent Filmmaker Initiative Supported By Viola Davis' Juvee Productions Brings Much Needed Diversity to 71st Festival de Cannes

CANNES, France - May 12, 2018 - PRLog -- Inspired by marginalized populations struggling to have their voices heard and their stories told, Yolonda Brinkley, creator of Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes, the independent filmmaker movement promoting inclusion at the world's most prestigious film event, is pleased to bring diversity to the 71st Festival de Cannes. With support from Viola Davis and Juilus Tennon's JuVee Productions and Ajuua Entertainment, Brinkley, an American publicist and event producer has two days of diversity activities planned. In response to the global cry of women screaming #timesup and #metoo, both events will celebrate women in film.

"For the last eight years Yolonda has been focused on shining a light on films about people of color. The curtain has been lifted, and a fresh conversation can now be had about how inclusive and diverse films travel. A global audience awaits and is ready to be served. We at JuVee support the efforts of Diversity In Cannes --- join us." Julius Tennon, President, Development and Production, JuVee Productions.

Diversity Day, a staple in the filmmaker community at the Cannes Film Festival, returns Monday, May 14, 2018 with a general diversity short film showcase, celebrating the work of filmmakers giving life to diverse characters, with stories transcending boundaries. For the third consecutive year, the Women in Formation Showcase will give special distinction to female filmmakers depicting honest images of the feminine voice. A panel discussion focusing on #whatsnext in response to #metoo and #timesup moderated by American Actor John Marshall Jones and an awards reception are also included in the 2018 program.

New in 2018 is the introduction of Global Women of Color in Film Day at the Cannes Film Festival; Diversity in Cannes' first official appearance at the Marché du Film. Brinkley has been approved by the Festival de Cannes for a screening in the Short Film Corner, which she'll use to showcase films by women of color including Chris Beal, India McGee, Leah Patterson, Anna Carvalho, Meleisha Edwards, Gisela Savdie and Pin-jung Chen. An extension of Diversity in Cannes, Global Women of Color Day at the Cannes Film Festival is Wednesday, May 16, 2018.

In commemoration of this initiative, women of color in film at Cannes and those who support them are encouraged to wear any combination of black, yellow or white (dresses) with a yellow flower in their hair and show up at the Festival for the collection screening (1:30 PM Palais H) and Actress Dionne Audain's Festival debut in the Cinefondation Official Selection film, I Am My Own Mother (11am Bunel). To culminate, all women are invited to dinner and drinks on the Croisette later in the evening.

"At a time when worldwide representation of women, people of color and other marginalized groups in film is disproportionate to men, I am proud to pioneer the efforts to effect change at the Cannes Film Festival," comments Yolonda Brinkley of Diversity in Cannes. "Diversity in Cannes is committed to the fight for inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival and providing multiple platforms for underrepresented filmmakers to share their stories at the 71st Cannes Film Festival; our contribution to the cause. #CANNESYOUSEEUS?"

Diversity Day at the Cannes Film Festival is Monday, May 14, 2018 1PM at the Radisson Blu Hotel, 2 blvd Jean Hilbert Cannes. RSVP via  Film Freeway. Global Women of Color in Film Day is Wednesday, May 16, 2018 1:30 PM Palais des Festival Theater H. Festival accreditation required to attend, but all are welcome. In the interim, for more information email diversityincannes@hotmail.com, visit our website or follow on social media Facebook @diversencannes (Twitter, IG, Periscope).