#9: The 6 Key Elements of Curatorial Justice

In this episode, I am talking about the counter-hegemonic discourse and cultural practice known as curatorial justice: It's an invitation to re-think and radically change our approach to curating and programming based on a critical look at power imbalances, discrimination and marginalization in the film and festival industry. The six key elements of curatorial justice discussed here are: Equity, Inclusivity & Access, Ethical Representation, Authentic Authorship, Decolonization and Transparency & Accountability. Finally, I am sharing some of my experiences as a curator at international film festivals with you to provide insights into the different reactions one might encounter on the path for curatorial justice. 

 

Special thanks to Cannes Docs, Marché du Film for their kind permission to use an audio excerpt from their below mentioned panel with film director/producer Nada Riyadh and Inclusion, Equity and Diversity specialist Rico-Johnson Sinclair speaking. 

 

This film.macht.kritisch. episode was recorded in English because the subject matter and the people it concerns could not be more international. 

 

Resources & Links:

• “Curating the future: Towards programming equity“ , panel moderated by Karim Ahmad and featuring Jemma Desai, Can Sungu, Lucy Mukerjee and Tambay Obenson (European Film Market and Berlinale Teddy Talks 2023)
• “Unpacking Sovereignty and Curatorial Justice: The Filmmaker’s Perspective“ , panel moderated by Rico Johnson-Sinclair and featuring Nada Riyadh, Paul Sng, Yolanda Maria Barroso and Malin Hüber (Cannes Docs - Marché du Film 2023, curated by DAE) 
• “EFM Issues ‘Call to Action’ for Diversity and Inclusion in Europe’s Screen Industries at Berlin“ (Variety, 02/13/2023)
• “A Note from Joana Vicente and Tabitha Jackson“ (Sundance Institute & Sundance Film Festival, 02/18/2022)
• “Principles for Decolonial Film" by Nitasha Dillon 
• POC2 Programmers of Color Collective
• Anti-Racism Taskforce for European Film 
• Nichols, Bill (2010): Engaging cinema: an introduction to film studies. New York: W. W. Norton & Co.
• Ahmed, Sara (2023): The Feminist Killjoy Handbook. London: Allen Lane.