Hollywood is arguably one of the most powerful and influential institutions in the world. So, how can we challenge the media and entertainment industry to tell more inclusive stories and highlight the talent of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) creators?

Join us for an honest discussion with award-winning Canadian film and TV producer, Shant Joshi, who is on a mission to decolonise Hollywood. In this session you’ll also learn about the power of open and inclusive decision-making in the film and TV industry and the importance of advocating for underrepresented voices. Shant will share how these practices have led to high-quality stories which have made their way to the Oscars, Sundance, Cannes, TIFF, Netflix, Prime Video and more.

The event is a fantastic opportunity to learn from an experienced producer and advocate for diversity in media.

Moderated by Dr. Timothy Laurie.

Contact Dr Elaine Laforteza (elaine.laforteza@uts.edu.au) for more information and accessibility requirements.

Afternoon tea is provided.

This event is a collaboration from the UTS Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion, Diversities and Social Inclusion Research Group and the Creative Practice Research Group (Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences)

Speakers

Shant Joshi is an award-winning producer and president of Fae Pictures, based in New York and Toronto, is on a mission to decolonise Hollywood. His credits include award winners at Sundance (Framing Agnes), Red Sea (In Flames), Iris Prize (Scaring Women at Night), Durban (Runs in the Family), premieres at Cannes, Toronto, Canneseries (Streams Flow From A River), Aspen (I Live Here), Palm Springs (Diaspora), Hot Docs, Black Star (Noor and Layla), Bentonville, and BFI London, and nominees for the Canadian Screen Awards (Queen Tut). He was also an executive producer on Nisha Pahuja’s Academy Award ® nominated film To Kill A Tiger, an impact producer on John Greyson’s TEDDY Award-winning film International Dawn Chorus Day, and an associate producer on Ingrid Veninger’s Canadian Screen Award-nominated film Porcupine Lake.

Dr Timothy Laurie is a Senior Lecturer and Higher Degree Research Coordinator in the School of Communication at the UTS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. His core research interests include cultural theory, gender and sexuality studies, studies in popular culture, and philosophy. Timothy is currently working on three broad research projects: a study of Australian boys and contemporary cinema, an ongoing research collaboration around feminist philosophy and queer theory with Associate Professor Hannah Stark (University of Tasmania) and an ongoing research project around doctoral education and supervision practices with Dr. Liam Grealy (University of Sydney/Menzies - School of Health Research).

Event agenda

3.00 pm: Welcome - Dr Timothy Laurie
3.05 pm: In conversation with Shant Joshi
3.35 pm: Audience Q&A
3.45 pm: Networking and afternoon tea