An exclusive Q+A with 2022’s Project Involve Fellow

Plus, the art+activism moving us during Women’s History Month, open positions at Participant, and what it means to be a B-corp. [View Online]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( Hi there, Happy Women’s History Month! To celebrate, we’ve compiled [a list of our favorite Participant films]( that showcase the contributions of women and inspire us to keep dismantling systemic sexism. And how fitting, because this year’s Academy Award® nominee and [Film Independent Spirit Award]( winner, ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED, is both directed by, and about, two incredibly courageous women: Laura Poitras and Nan Goldin, respectively. Check out director [Laura Poitras’ fantastic op-ed]( in The Guardian, and if you haven’t seen the film already, you’re in luck - it’s [streaming on HBO Max]( starting today! This month we’re also excited to share some wisdom from a few of our fellow Participants, celebrate B-Corp Month, and explore the art+activism that’s moving us right now. Enjoy! – Your fellow Participants [Project Involve Fellows - IMAGE]( Q+A With Rui Xu & Diego Nájera 2022 & 2018 Film Independent Project Involve Fellows Last week we had the chance to get together with Rui Xu, an independent producer based in LA and Participant’s 2022 Project Involve Fellow, in conversation with our own Diego Nájera, a Project Involve alumnus. The two spoke candidly about their experience with the program, of which Participant is a sponsor. Click through to read the whole interview, and to find out more about applying for the program. Diego: Can you tell us what Project Involve is about, and what you think makes the program so special? Rui: The program groups together directors, producers, DPs, editors, and writers to create 6 short films. From the producing perspective, it was a big challenge, but also a great opportunity for us to learn how to work with other artists on a team. We had to start from the ground – from new ideas – then go into development, put them into production and then post-production. We pretty much did everything, from head to toe. I met so many great filmmakers in our cohort. I think that's the most important part: Learning from the filmmakers, and working closely with them to make sure they are successful. Diego: A big focus of Project Involve is uplifting filmmakers of color and immigrants like ourselves. [Diego is originally from Mexico.] To get people that maybe historically haven’t had a chance to make a lot of films, and have them tell their stories. What did you think when you found out that this is the profile of the program? Rui: I think that's actually the most beautiful part of this program, because everyone is from different countries and cultural backgrounds, and everyone brings forth very unique ideas. We have the seeds of the stories, but the producer, editor, and DP all have very diverse cultural backgrounds which does a lot to enrich the story. Diego: Do you think there’s also an aspect of positive social change that Project Involve is contributing to? Rui: Yes, I think so. The short that I produced, called The Blues Hour, is about a Black couple that has a newborn baby. They start fighting because of their anxiety about the baby being in the NICU, and they feel this pressure from society that forces them to make their decisions a certain way. The writer and director are both people of color, and they wanted to speak their voice. It’s a family drama, but behind it, we see a social problem. And the other interesting part - I know a lot, but I’m not as familiar as our Black director telling a Black story. But bringing my perspective creates a spark that makes the story accessible for wider audiences. We’re not making a Black story for Black people. We’re actually trying to tell this story to all audiences, have them see the problem, and understand why we’re telling it. [READ MORE]( [Certified B-Corp IMAGE]( To Be or Not to B-Corp What It Means To Think Beyond Profit You may have noticed this mark on some of your favorite sustainable or fair trade products and companies. Certified B Corporations are businesses that have made a commitment to prioritize people, communities, and the planet over profits. March is B-Corp month, so we’re joining the campaign to show how #WeGoBeyond business as usual by using socially relevant, commercially viable, and critically acclaimed stories to make a positive mark in the world. Participant is the only major US entertainment company whose social and environmental impact, in addition to our accountability to our workers and our local community, has earned a B Corp Certification! [LEARN MORE]( [Participants in the wild IMAGE]( Participants in the Wild Nicole Starr, Elizabeth Haggard, and Michael Kelly Represent We’re so proud of our fellow Participants who represented us last weekend at the SXSW Conference: Elizabeth Haggard, Senior VP of Narrative Film, and Nicole Starr, Senior VP of Content Representation and Impact. Elizabeth spoke on a panel regarding [talent discovery in film and television]( while Nicole shared her wisdom on [accessibility and DEI initiatives]( within the entertainment industry. Check them out! Meanwhile, our incredible VP of Social Impact, Michael Kelly, sat down with host Eric Cárdenas on the [Let’s Get Changed Podcast]( to talk about DESCENDANT and share tips for anyone looking to move the needle on progressive causes via storytelling. [LISTEN IN]( [Headlines + Highlights] [Colorsofhoney artwork– Image]( Lightning Round! Art & Impact From Women's History Month - It’s no secret that the labor of caring for aging parents largely falls on women. [Hyperallergic]( examines the role of artist caregivers like photographer [Michelle Burdine]( who are shedding light on an all-too-often invisible struggle. - Artist + activist Hanifa Abdul Hameed ([@colorsofhoney]( together with the [Pillars Fund]( are shattering stereotypes about Muslim women and celebrating their leadership, resistance, and sisterhood. - Here’s something you might not have heard: the sounds of glaciers and houseplants as instruments in [eco-informed music](. LA Mag explores how experimental musicians are contributing to environmental activism. [Headlines + Highlights] Participants Wanted Are you someone who shares our passion for storytelling and positive social change? Come join us. Open positions are hybrid, based in LA. - Assistant to SVP, Documentary Film - Assistant to CEO and SVP, Content Representation & Impact - Manager, People and Culture - Manager, Talent Acquisition - Vice President, Post-Production and Technical Servicing [APPLY]( Like this email? [Forward to a friend]( or share on [Facebook]( or [Twitter](. Feedback? Reply and let us know what you think. Participants wanted. You are not a viewer. These are your stories. You are a Participant. [GET INVOLVED]( Participant is the leading media company dedicated to entertainment that inspires and compels social change. Founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll, Participant's content combines the power of a good story well told with opportunities for real-world impact and awareness around the most pressing global issues of our time. [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [LinkedIn]( [Instagram]( [ABOUT US]( // [PRIVACY POLICY]( // [TERMS OF SERVICE]( // [UNSUBSCRIBE]( © Copyright 2023 Participant, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 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