Diversity & Inclusion at MIPCOM

• The MIPCOM 2019 Diversity and Inclusion Programme features industry experts and major talent who are speaking out to not only create more opportunities for diverse talent, but to demonstrate the positive impact of diversity across the global media landscape.

  In its third year, the programme includes high-level networking events and the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards, honouring inclusive content that impacts and inspires audiences around the globe.

  

• Diversify TV Excellence Awards

  Championing and promoting diversity and inclusion in all forms across the international television industry
• WINNERS

  
  

  Representation of Race and Ethnicity

  Isoken - Scripted
  Breaking the Taboo - Racism and Resistance - Non-Scripted

  Representation of LGBTQ+

  Vida - Scripted
  Transkids - Non-Scripted

  Representation of Disability

  Jerk - Scripted
  If There's Room for Two - Non-Scripted

  Kids Programming

  The Bravest Knight
  

  The shortlisted programmes have been judged in each category by the following charitable organisations that campaign for equality and inclusion.
  
  

  
• Representation of Race and Ethnicity

  Ackley Bridge

  Race and Ethnicity, Scripted

  

  Ackley Bridge returns for another run of eight laugh-out-loud, irreverent and highly emotional episodes set in and around a school designed to unite the divided white and Asian communities of a small Yorkshire mill town.

  Production:	The Forge
  Distribution:	all3media international
  Original Broadcaster:	Channel 4
  Country:	UK

  Isoken

  Race and Ethnicity, Scripted

  Isoken has what appears to be a perfect life, but she is still unmarried at 34 which, in a culture obsessed with marriage, is a serious cause for concern. But in an unexpected turn of events, Isoken meets Kevin, The only problem is he is Oyinbo (Caucasian).

  Production:	TRIBE85 PRODUCTION
  Distribution:	Trace Content Distribution
  Original Broadcaster:	Africa Magic
  Country:	Nigeria
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  Kiss Me First

  Race and Ethnicity, Scripted

  Kiss Me First moves between the real and virtual animated worlds. When Leila stumbles across Red Pill, a secret paradise, hidden on the edges of her favourite game, she meets Tess. Tess harbours a dark secret. When Tess turns up in Leila’s real life uninvited, Leila’s world is changed forever.

  Production:	Kindle Entertainment and Balloon Entertainment
  Distribution:	Lionsgate
  Original Broadcaster:	Channel 4, Netflix
  Country:	UK
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer
• African Diaspora Diaries

  Race and Ethnicity, Non Scripted

  What is it like being born to immigrant parents in a country where there is growing support for anti-immigration parties? BBC Africa's Daniel Henry investigates how young people of African heritage are making their way in Europe's big cities.

  Production:	BBC Africa TV/Digital
  Distribution:	BBC
  Original Broadcaster:	BBC World News / BBC News Channel / BBC IPlayer
  Country:	UK
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  Breaking the Taboo – Racism and Resistance

  Race and Ethnicity, Non Scripted

  Brazil is a very plural and, therefore, extremely uneven country. Social and Racial inequality are the biggest challenges faced by Brazilian population. In this episode, we will point out differences between social and racial inequality through the explanation of philosophers, sociologists, researchers and activists.

  Production:	Globosat Programadora / Spray Filmes
  Distribution:	Globosat Programadora
  Original Broadcaster:	Globosat Programadora
  Country:	Brasil
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  The Curry House Kid

  Race and Ethnicity, Non Scripted

  

  This film tells a universal story – the immigrant experience in Britain – by immersing world-renowned dancer Akram Khan in a very specific location: the Bangladeshi-owned curry houses of London’s Brick Lane.

  Production:	Swan Films
  Distribution:	all3media international
  Original Broadcaster:	Channel 4
  Country:	UK
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer
• Representation of LGBTQ+

  The Bold Type

  LGBTQ+, Scripted

  

  The Bold Type reveals a glimpse into the outrageous lives and loves of those behind the global women’s magazine Scarlet. The rising generation of Scarlet women leans on one another as they find their own voices in a sea of intimidating leaders. Together they explore sexuality, identity, love and fashion.

  Production:	Universal Television
  Distribution:	NBCUniversal International Distribution
  Original Broadcaster:	Freeform
  Country:	USA

  Vida

  LGBTQ+, Scripted

  “Vida” is the critically-acclaimed STARZ original series that tells the story of two Mexican-American sisters taking on the monumental task of rebuilding their mother's business while navigating financial constraints, competing developers, and the growing anti-gentrification movement, all while contemplating the relationships in their lives, including their own.

  Production:	Big Beach and Chingona Productions in association with STARZ Originals
  Distribution:	Lionsgate Television
  Original Broadcaster:	STARZ
  Country:	USA
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  Younger

  LGBTQ+, Scripted

  

  Created by Darren Star (Sex and the City, Beverly Hills, 90210, Melrose Place), Younger follows Liza Miller (Sutton Foster), a talented editor navigating the competitive world of publishing — while juggling the complications of mixing business with pleasure and facing the lie she created about her age to land her dream job.

  Production:	Darren Star Productions, Jax Media and TV Land
  Distribution:	Endemol Shine International
  Original Broadcaster:	TV Land
  Country:	USA
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer
• The Spark, the origins of pride

  LGBTQ+, Non Scripted

  

  They are trans, lesbian, bisexual or gay. They are artists, politicians, doctors, journalists, activists or ordinary citizens. Some are famous, others not. But all of them lived through the repression of the 1960s, the sexual liberation of the 1970s, and the AIDS tragedy of the 1980s...

  Production:	CAPA
  Distribution:	Newen Distribution
  Original Broadcaster:	Histoire TV/RMC Story
  Country:	FRANCE
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  Transkids

  LGBTQ+, Non Scripted

  Four Israeli teenagers undergo the process of life-and-identity-saving gender transformation in a country where military service is mandatory and Orthodox Jewish religion is the law.

  Production:	Medalia Productions
  Distribution:	MetFilm Sales - International Sales Agent
  Original Broadcaster:	YesDocu (DBS)
  Country:	Israel
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  You Can't Ask That

  LGBTQ+, Non Scripted

  

  The ABC’s most successful original format, YOU CAN’T ASK THAT is a genuinely innovative series that offers a personal glimpse into the lives of people we rarely get to hear from, and along the way explores and embraces our differences. Funny, moving and life changing, this is truly unique television.

  Production:	Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  Distribution:	ABC Commercial
  Original Broadcaster:	Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  Country:	Australia
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer
• Representation of Disability

  Perfect World

  Disability, Scripted

  Itsuki is an architect who uses a wheelchair after suffering from an accident in college, damaging his spinal cord. He decided to live alone for the rest of his life, however, a reunion with his high school classmate Tsugumi gradually changes his life.

  Production:	KANSAI TV
  Distribution:	KANSAI TV
  Original Broadcaster:	KANSAI TV
  Country:	Japan
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  Jerk

  Disability, Scripted

  

  JERK follows the life of acclaimed stand up comedian Tim Renkow, who plays a heightened version of himself - an American art school dropout in London who knows that having cerebral palsy means he can get away with almost anything.

  Production:	Roughcut TV
  Distribution:	BBC
  Original Broadcaster:	BBC 3
  Country:	UK
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  This Close

  Disability, Scripted

  

  An official selection of the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, This Close is a groundbreaking relationship dramedy created, written, and starring Shoshannah Stern and Josh Feldman, both of whom are deaf. This honest, funny and endearing show explores universal and relatable themes of love and friendship — in its many permutations.

  Production:	Super Deluxe, Killer Films
  Distribution:	AMC Studios International
  Original Broadcaster:	Sundance TV
  Country:	USA
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer
• No Drama - Bernarda Alba

  Disability, Non Scripted

  No drama shows the work of the Argentine theater director Esteban Parola with the Grupo Esperanza, a cast of actors with disabilities. The No Drama crew rehearses every week since 2011. This year, they take a step forwards in inclusive theatre including actors without disabilities, with other stories, characteristics and backgrounds....read more Esteban Parola selects Bernarda Alba´s house, a play written by the great hispanic writer Federico García Lorca, a timeless classic and jewel of the universal theatre. The team needs to find the way to give life on stage to severe, dark, powerful and oppressive characters. They also need to incorporate a new set of skills and quickly bond with the newly arrived members. But the No Drama Theatre Company will go all the way to earn that precious applause from the spectators.

  Production:	Canal Encuentro
  Distribution:	Canal Encuentro
  Original Broadcaster:	Canal Encuentro
  Country:	Argentina
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  If There’s Room for Two

  Disability, Non Scripted

  

  Pablo Pineda and “El Langui” discover the best restaurants in our country with humor and empathy. We will get to know sophisticated restaurants, as well as the most traditional ones. The main characters will show their motivating stories of personal overcoming through this gastronomic journey seasoned with friendship.

  Production:	TVE, Onza Entertainment, Fisherman Media
  Distribution:	TVE
  Original Broadcaster:	TVE
  Country:	Spain
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  No Vacancy: Vancouver's Housing Crisis

  Disability, Non Scripted

  Host Grant Hardy investigates the impact of Metro Vancouver’s housing crisis on people with disabilities and how it is challenging city planners, architects and governments.

  Production:	Accessible Media
  Distribution:	Accessible Media
  Original Broadcaster:	Accessible Media
  Country:	Canada
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer
  
  
• Kids Programming

  Rainbow Stories

  Kids Programming

  

  Rainbow Stories is a collection of heart-warming stories featuring positive LGBT+ characters. Each uplifting story focusses on positivity, love, family, friendship and trust. All the topics are introduced in a way that’s easy to understand even for the youngest audience.

  Production:	Hopster Studios, Cloth Cat Animation
  Distribution:	Hopster
  Original Broadcaster:	Hopster
  Country:	UK
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  The Bravest Knight

  Kids Programming

  

  The Bravest Knight is the story of a young pumpkin farmer, named Cedric, as he attempts to become the greatest knight who ever lived. Now grown and married to the prince of his dreams, Sir Cedric recounts his adventures to his daughter Nia, showing her the path to knighthood.

  Production:	Big Bad Boo Studios
  Distribution:	Big Bad Boo Studios
  Original Broadcaster:	Hulu
  Country:	USA
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

  What It's Like

  Kids Programming

  

  Insightful, optimistic, funny, revealing, profound – What It’s Like gives a wide-reaching platform to groups of young people whose voices, stories and perspectives are not often seen or heard in the media. This is genuine, real storytelling told the way kids like it to be told - by themselves.

  Production:	Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  Distribution:	ABC Commercial
  Original Broadcaster:	Australian Broadcasting Corporation
  Country:	Australia
  Trailer:	Watch the trailer

• Jury Members

  Diversify TV Excellence Awards

  All programmes submitted to the competition will be short-listed by members of the MIP Markets’ Diversity Advisory Board, comprised of leading professionals committed to diversity and inclusion in the global media landscape. MIPCOM thanks them all for their ongoing support and guidance to this programme.

  
  

  

  Bunmi Akintonwa

  CEOLittle Black Book Company Int.

  

  Sahar Baghery

  Head of Business DevelopmentAmazon Prime Video

  

  Sean Cohan

  President Wheelhouse EntertainmentChief Business Officer, Wheelhouse Group

  

  David Cornwall

  Managing DirectorScorpion Television

  
  

  

  David Ellender

  CEOSonar Entertainment

  

  Sallyann Keizer

  Managing DirectorSixth Sense Media

  

  David Levine

  GM Disney Channels UKThe Walt Disney Company

  

  Nick Smith

  EVP FormatsAll3Media International

• More Jury Members

  
  

  Bruna Capozzoli

  Creative DirectorPopcorn Digital

  Shabnam Rezaei

  Co-Founder & PresidentBig Bad Boo Studios

  Francesco Tocci

  Head of Format
  and Documentary UnitNonpanic Banijay

  Patrick Connolly

  SVP, ProgrammingAMC/Sundance TV Global

  
  

  Deborah Williams

  CEOThe Creative Diversity Network (CDN)

  Mounia Aram

  CEOMounia Aram Company

  Cédric Petitpas

  YouTube Family PartnershipsYouTube KIDS

• Testimonials

  

  I am thrilled to be part of this new edition of the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Awards. Diverse voices from diverse backgrounds not only make innovative storytelling and bring entertainment closer to viewers, but they also give bigger opportunities for creative ideas to be shared, and creative teams to be discovered. Building this program and watching it grow is extremely exciting, I can’t wait to see this year’s great selection... and winners!

  Sahar Baghery,
  Head of Business Development
  Amazon Prime Video

  

  Not only is inclusion the right thing to do, it makes good business sense, since diverse companies perform better and diverse content can appeal to broader and wider audiences. One only need look at the success of ‘Black Panther’ and ‘Captain Marvel’ to recognize this. Diversity and globally-inclusive viewpoints should be the norm and the baseline expectation in the kids content industry – our viewers are increasingly expecting this - and programming needs to keep up with this evolution in order to be relevant to today’s parents and kids

  David Levine,
  VP Kids Programming, Europe & Africa / UK & Ireland
  Executive Sponsor, Pride UK & Ireland
  THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY LIMITED

  

  Diversity is no longer about portraying “the other” but rather simply about representation and inclusion. Media needs properly to reflect the colorful world around us and the Mipcom Diversify TV Excellence Awards shines a light on projects that have done this

  Shabnam Rezaei,
  President
  Big Bad Boo Studios

  

  The world is so interesting because is diversified. Educating the audience to appreciate how diversity can enrich our life is vital. This is even more crucial now, in times when some people feel more and more legitimate to express intolerance and violence. The media are powerful and have a responsibility to encourage diversity, promote pluralism and allow the people to know what is different from them. I feel honoured to participate to the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence award and look forward to discovering those amazing stories and people that make our world so beautifully plural.

  Francesco Tocci,
  Head of Format and Documentary Unit
  Nonpanic Banijay

  

  First Day was originally commissioned by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Screen Australia as a standalone TV episode to celebrate the 2017 International Day of the Girl. The show has resonated with audiences around the world, and after winning the MIPCOM Diversify TV Excellence Award for outstanding children’s programming, and the Gender Equity Prize at Prix Jeunesse, has been commissioned as a four episode series, going into production in July 2019. We’re excited to continue working with the amazing Evie Macdonald, who in our original episode was the first trans actor to play a lead role on Australian television

  Kirsty Stark,
  Producer, Epic Films, Australia

  Article seen on KIDSCREEN 〉
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