Anti-Bias/Anti-Racist (ABAR) & Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI)
ABAR & DEI
COMMITMENT TO ANTI-BIAS ANTI-RACIST (ABAR) AND DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION (DEI) PRACTICES
The 48 Film Festival Inc. recognizes that biases are inherent in our culture and institutions – including our own. These can include biases for or against race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sovereign tribal Nations status, language, ancestry, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, marital status, family structure, socioeconomic status, immigration status, cognitive or physical ability, etc.
Because we are an arts organization representing Canada at the national level, it is our responsibility to prepare our staff and environment to provide an inclusive space where every member of the community feels welcome. We recognize that each individual experiences privilege and oppression differently. It is our duty as an arts leader in the world to prepare our staff and environment to provide an inclusive space for every member of our community.
The 48 is dedicated to the inclusion of all people and taking a conscious and proactive approach to eliminating biases and/or racism in our environment. To that end, The 48 is committed to:
- Providing a regular time and space for our organization and participants to reflect and learn about these topics, including bringing in experts who are themselves members of the Global Majority and marginalized groups.
- Increasing opportunities to improve accessibility for the Global Majority and marginalized groups.
- Exploring with the community how to dismantle biases of all kinds in the context of all our program offerings, our social spaces (online-and-off), as well as any of their own personal biases.
- Offering an equity centered approach that recognizes that racism and discrimination is a form of trauma that affects everyone.
- Continuing to deepen our Anti Bias Anti Racism commitments and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practices.
Some of the language used above has been adapted from statements made by the following: Zora Montessori | AMI USA | Montessori Northwest. As an arts driven community we aspire to naturally lead by example and make a commitment to expand our awareness by collaborating on ABAR and DEI work.
The National Announcement
Ideally it happens from February to April. Each participating province/territory will make a public announcement on their participation in The 48 and provide details of the timeline leading to local screenings and the Canada-wide screening.
Registration
Typically this begins in the spring. Each participating province and territory will host a registration period. There will be some regional variation, so check with the organization managing the event closest to you. Please pay attention to announcements, as registration typically is on a first come, first served basis. Entry fees will vary.
The Info-session
Ideally in spring each participating region will host an info-session (online or in person depending on health/safety conditions) explaining the rules and details about the festival. This will be a time to ask questions and connect with local composers, actors and extra crew members.
The 48 Film Challenge
In summer, for one weekend, each participating region will host The 48 Film Challenge in their locality. Ideally the rules and instructions will be similar across all areas, but often they will vary. Please check with the organization managing the event closest to where you reside. You will need The Key to begin!
THE KEY...
Typically on a Friday, participants will receive an email that the challenge has begun. For example, the film challenge may go from 5pm on Friday to 5pm on Sunday. That email will contain your contest key which will include items mandatory for your film. These could be a theme, the use of a particular camera angle or editing technique, the use of a particular phrase in the script, etc. You will also be provided instructions for film format, export of files and documents that must be handed in with your film.
The Local Screening(s)
In summer, each participating region will host a local screening of all completed films. This will typically take place in the city in which the managing organization resides. There will likely be some local variation in details, so be sure to check with the organization managing the event that is closest to you.
The National Screening
The national screening will feature selections from each participating region. In Spring the following year, The TIFF Bell Lightbox or some place similar will host Canada’s national 48-hour film festival. Each participating locality will select two films for screening at the national location, so far its been locked in with the TIFF Bell Lightbox.