WXF Nov 2023 Newsletter
WXF Updates
WXF @ AMERICAN FILM MARKET
The American Film Market took place the week of October 31st – November 5th, and our WXF team was hard at work at this film industry event. The event is held each year in Santa Monica and more than 7,000 people attend the eight-day annual event to network and push their projects forward. Here are photos of us and some of the other industry panels we attended.
WXF @ UTFAV TRIBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Our team travelled to the 2023 Tribal Leadership Summit, hosted by Uniting Three Fires Against Violence (UTFAV) in the beautiful Mackinac Island, to learn more about emerging issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault in Indigenous communities. We listened to thought-provoking speakers and learned relevant information about Michigan’s twelve tribal communities. Milena, one of our team members, presented on our “Stolen Sisters” documentary, and connected with organizations, Indigenous tribes, and advocates who are working firsthand on this epidemic.
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Just One Protagonist In The Top 1,600 Theatrical Films From The Last 16 Years Was Native American, Study Finds
By: Rebecca Sun
Hollywood is buzzing as Killers of the Flower Moon hits theaters, starring Native American actress Lily Gladstone. Its publicity raises questions of Indigenous representation in Hollywood. Recent studies examine the representation of Native Americans in the top 1,600 films over the past 16 years, and show concerning findings. With only 133 speaking characters identified as Native American, just 99 of those roles were portrayed by Native actors. “Put simply, there is no career sustainability for Native actors in Hollywood.” AI2 founder Stacy L. Smith explains. It is important to recognize these concerning statistics and work towards a more inclusive and representative future in the entertainment industry.
DID YOU KNOW
Research from the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative reveals the distressing underrepresentation of Native American characters in movies from 2007 to 2022. With 0.25% of speaking characters being Native American, the study highlights the limited opportunities for Native actors, with only 64 individuals securing roles in the films studied. Approximately 99% of the analyzed films featured no Native American female-identified speaking characters, accentuating the erasure of Native women in Hollywood. The report underscored the urgent need for increased Native American representation on screen and behind the camera, calling for more inclusivity for Native filmmakers and actors in the entertainment industry.
Woman Doused With Acid Remains Hospitalized But Is Slowly Recovering
By: Jonathan Masaki
Davina Licon, a 20-year-old survivor of a recent chemical attack in Mililani, is bravely using her story to raise awareness about domestic violence. Despite enduring severe burns over 30% of her body, Licon remains determined in her recovery, sharing her experiences to emphasize the importance of recognizing warning signs and seeking support from loved ones. Her ex-boyfriend and attacker, 21-year-old Paul Cameron was indicted for second-degree attempted murder and two felony firearms charges for allegedly throwing acid on and trying to shoot his ex-girlfriend in the parking lot of a Mililani gym. Her resilience and aspiration to become a physical therapist serve as an inspiration, offering hope to others facing similar challenges.
DID YOU KNOW
Acid violence involves a deliberate attack through throwing corrosive acid onto an individual’s face and body, aiming to disfigure, torture, or even kill the victim. The impact is severe, as the acid penetrates the flesh, often reaching the bone, leading to lifelong scarring, physical deformities, and, in extreme cases, permanent disabilities like blindness and immobility. Beyond the physical consequences, survivors endure profound psychological trauma, frequently experiencing depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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