Australian actor Cate Blanchett, a UN goodwill ambassador, recently spoke at the Cannes Film Festival, urging the film industry to include the stories of displaced people in their work. Blanchett emphasized the importance of giving a voice to those who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and war, stating that their stories are incredible and inspiring. The actor highlighted the fact that 114 million people have been displaced globally and expressed her bewilderment at the lack of representation of these stories in films.
Blanchett challenged filmmakers to think outside the box and consider including diverse voices in their narratives. She emphasized the need to tell stories that are different from the usual narratives crafted by the same groups of people, as excluding these voices only serves to further marginalize them. The actor urged filmmakers to work with directors and storytellers who have different backgrounds and experiences and to explore new perspectives in their work. Blanchett pointed out that the old studio system failed because it repeated the same stories created by the same people, leading to stagnation in the industry.
As a producer, Blanchett acknowledged that there is still work to be done in the industry to prioritize diverse stories. She recounted instances where she had pitched stories to streaming platforms only to be told that they did not align with their mandate, despite them showing interest and being moved by the narratives. The actor called out platforms for their lack of diverse stories in their lineup, questioning the necessity of having a dynamic slate of content that includes a variety of perspectives and experiences.
Blanchett’s words come in the context of her presence in Cannes for the premiere of the film “Rumours,” a satirical take on the leaders of the world’s wealthiest democracies getting lost in the woods while trying to draft a statement. The actor’s call for inclusivity and representation in storytelling aligns with her work as a UNHCR envoy, where she has witnessed the resilience and strength of refugees in the face of adversity. Blanchett’s message serves as a reminder to the film industry to embrace diversity and give a platform to the voices of those who are often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
