Independent Film Movement Celebrates Black Filmmakers and Women of Color At 72nd Festival de Cannes

LOS ANGELES - May 18, 2019 - PRLog -- Yolonda Brinkley, creator of Diversity in Cannes, the independent film movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival, is pleased to announce programming for its 10^th anniversary celebration; May 20-22, 2019. Presented with support from Julius Tennon and Academy Award Winner Viola Davis' JuVee Productions, AfroLife.TV, Director, Crystle C. Roberson and Upscale Magazine, this year's events, include film screenings, panel discussions, awards receptions, and a 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 its 10th year, Diversity in Cannes has expanded its reach. In addition to the two short film showcases and awards reception, Diversity Day will host the international premiere of "Made in His Image", an anti-bullying film by 12 year-old Anah Ambuchi and will present an all-star film panel, featuring the cast of "Bull", an official selection of the 72^nd Festival de Cannes, with Rob Morgan (Academy Award Nominated "Mudbound") and Yolonda Ross (Showtime's "The Chi"). Immediately following the panel, the actors will be presented with the inaugural Diversity in Cannes Global Excellence Film Award.

"At a time when worldwide representation of women, people of color and other marginalized groups, in film, is disproportionate to general market, I am committed to the fight for diversity and inclusion 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 celebrate underrepresented voices in France and beyond"

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 Screening' Wednesday May 22, 2019 3:30 PM in theater F, followed by the 'Black Lives Black Stories Matter Screening', featuring 2019 Student Academy Award Winner, "Lalo's House" starring Garcelle Beauvais and produced by Jamie Foxx.

"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 film screenings and awards, Diversity in Cannes has planned an after party Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at a secret location, featuring celebrity DJ, Trauma, whose client roster includes comedians Dave Chappelle and Tiffany Haddish, Serena Williams as well Jay Z and Beyonce.

"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.

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