Academy Award Winner Viola Davis' JuVee Productions Supports Inclusion at 72nd Festival de Cannes

CANNES, France - May 17, 2019 - PRLog -- Yolonda Brinkley, creator of Diversity in Cannes, the independent global film movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival, is pleased to announce programming for its 10^th anniversary celebration, spanning three days, May 20-22, 2019. Presented with support from Upscale Magazine, Julius Tennon and Academy Award Winner Viola Davis' JuVee Productions, Director, Crystle C. Roberson, and AfroLife.TV, this year's events, include film screenings, panel discussions, awards receptions, and an official after party.

"We are ecstatic to join forces again with Yolonda Brinkley and Diversity In Cannes as they celebrate 10 years of independently promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival. Now more than ever, those of us with a seat at the table must continue to foster and encourage diverse voices and content." -Julius Tennon, President, Development and Production, JuVee Production

In celebration of its 10^th anniversary, Diversity in Cannes has worked tirelessly to make this year's event meaningful. The organization will host Diversity Day consisting of two short film showcases, an awards reception, the international premiere of "Made in His Image, an anti-bullying film by 12 year-old Anah Ambuchi and an all-star film panel featuring Rob Morgan (Academy Award Nominated "Mudbound")  and Yolonda Ross (Showtime's "The Chi") of the film "Bull", an official selection of the 72^nd Festival de Cannes. Immediately following the panel, Diversity in Cannes will celebrate their achievements with the inaugural Diversity in Cannes Global Excellence Film Awards.

"Our mission and number one business objective is diversity and inclusion in media. I see it as our responsibility to support and promote organizations with similar initiatives which is why I'm especially excited to partner with and congratulate Diversity in Cannes in its 10th anniversary year," said Alberto Marzan, Founder & CEO of AfroLife.TV.

Expanding the inclusion efforts to the Palais des Festivals, Diversity in Cannes will host two professional screenings in the Cannes Short Film Corner. The Global Women of Color film collection will be screened Wednesday, May 22, 2019, 3:30 PM in theater F with the Black Lives Black Stories Matter screening immediately following.

"I'm honored to present the second  Diversity in Cannes 'Global Women of Color In Film Screening' at the Cannes Film Festival's Short Film Corner. As a writer/director, who also happens to be a woman, I'm genuinely passionate about providing a platform for these unrepresented voices," comments Crystle C. Roberson. It's a privilege to pay it forward as had it not been for the opportunities afforded me by others, I would not be where I am today.

In the midst of the multiple screenings and awards, Diversity in Cannes has planned a lively after party Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at a secret location, featuring the music of celebrity DJ, Trauma, who currently tours with comedians Dave Chappelle and Tiffany Haddish and has worked with tennis superstar Serena Williams as well Jay Z and Beyonce.

"At a time when worldwide representation of women, people of color and other marginalized groups, in film, is disproportionate to the general market, I am committed to the fight for diversity and inclusion, by any means necessary, at the Cannes Film Festival," comments Yolonda Brinkley, creator of Diversity in Cannes. "While Hollywood and the global film community have recently jumped on the diversity bandwagon, I am proud to celebrate 10 years of pioneering inclusion and I'm grateful for the global supporters who inspire my continuous efforts to showcase and celebrate underrepresented voices at the Cannes Film Festival, the world's most prestigious film industry event."

For schedule of events, visit www. Facebook facebook.com/diversityincannes

To register, visit www.filmfreeway.com/diversityincannes/tickets

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For additional information, to get involved, or to make a donation, email diversityincannes@hotmail.com. For Media inquiries, please contact Maliz Mahop at Maliz.Mahop@laicommunications.com.

ABOUT THE DIVERSITY IN CANNES

Created in 2010 by Yolonda Brinkley, Diversity In Cannes is an independent filmmaker movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival. The movement was established to promote the presence of underrepresented filmmakers sharing stories about marginalized populations during the Cannes Film Festival.  Specifically, the grassroots initiative provides a platform for globally diverse filmmakers to promote their talents, present their work and expand their international network during the Cannes Film Festival.

For more information on Diversity In Cannes, visit www.diversityincannes.com


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MEDIA CONTACTS:

Maliz Mahop

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Maliz.Mahop@laicommunications.com

Dr. Tyrha M. Lindsey-Warren

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