Diversity is Alive at The Cannes Film Festival

CANNES, France - May 22, 2013 - PRLog -- Yolonda Brinkley, CEO of YRB International Exposure is pleased to announce the details of the first Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase and Awards.  Created to celebrate the work of globally diverse filmmakers, the Showcase is Wednesday, May 22, 2013 1:00 PM at Quai 21, 21 Quai Saint Pierre Cannes, France (across from Radisson Blu Hotel).

While this is the first year for the showcase and awards, Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes was created as a filmmaker symposium in 2010 with the objectives of promoting diversity at the Cannes Film Festival and preserving the underrepresented story globally. Since its inception, the movement has hosted panelists from Ghana, Congo, Mexico, Brazil, the United Kingdom and the United States including award winning directors Michael Rowe, Alrick Brown and Annemarie Jacir, Palestine’s first female feature filmmaker and two times Cannes Film Festival alum.

“YRB International Exposure is delighted to present its first Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase & Awards,” comments Yolonda Brinkley, CEO & Chief Strategist.  “Since not all filmmakers were accepted into official competition or recognized for their accomplishments by the Festival de Cannes, we will celebrate their accomplishments. The Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase and Awards is the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to the work of globally diverse filmmakers sharing stories specific to race, age, gender, religion, physical ability and sexual orientation at the Cannes Film Festival and beyond.”

Presented by YRB International Exposure with support from Bugsy Productions, Lacy J Law, Author Nadia Denton, Festhome and Cinematiqmag.com the 1st Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase will present eight films in competition selected, from all eligible entries, by an independent screening committee of globally diverse film industry executives and enthusiasts. Final winners will be selected by jury and announced today after the screening during the awards ceremony.  US Entertainment Attorney & CPA, Shannon Nash will oversee the jury and will serve as keynote speaker. There will be a special screening of her short docudrama Colored My Mind, starring Nicole Ari Parker, Blair Underwood and Tisha Campbell Martin, the film’s executive producer.

“Yolonda should be commended for her work with Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes,” says Annemarie Jacir.  “As an arab director and the first Palestinian woman to make a feature film, it has been a real struggle and I appreciate the important work she is doing.”

The 1st Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase and Awards are open to the public and scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Quai 21, 21 Quai Saint Pierre Cannes, France 06400 (across from Radisson Blu Hotel).

Visit https://www.facebook.com/diversityincannes, www.diversityincannes.com, www.twitter.com/diversencannes for more information or email us at diversityincannes@hotmail.com to RSVP.