Even the Berlin Film Festival is Questioned Over Its Diversity
On Thursday night, the Berlin International Film Festival became embroiled in the debate about diversity over its all-white jury.
Jury president Meryl Streep dismissed these questions by telling reporters that "we're all Africans, really."
Streep, who heads a festival film jury for the first time, said she was committed to equality and inclusion "of all genders, races, ethnicities, religions."
The other members of the jury include German actor Lars Eidinger, British film critic Nick James, French photographer Brigitte Lacombe, British actor Clive Owen, Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher and Polish director Malgorzata Szumowska.
"This jury is evidence that at least women are included and in fact dominate this jury, and that's an unusual situation in bodies of people who make decisions," Streep said. "So I think the Berlinale is ahead of the game."
The Berlin International Film Festival kicked off last night with the Coen Brothers latest film Hail, Caesar! beginning proceedings.
The 2016 Berlin International Film Festival runs from February 11-21 with the jury selecting what they consider the best movie of the festival and awarding it the prestigious Golden Bear award.
