George Clooney, Viola Davis and dozens more stars sign open letter in support of Hollywood: “Harnessing the power of art to change the world”
Several of the most notable stars and figures in Hollywood have come together to sign an open letter following the closure of the production company Participant in the hopes of changing the ongoing issues with the film and television industry.
The likes of Alfonso Cuarón, Ava DuVernay, Jane Fonda, Regina King, Viola Davis and George Clooney have signed the letter along with the found of #MeToo Tarana Burke, civil rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson and Color of Change president Rashad Robinson.
Rights groups like Human Rights Watch and GLAAD have also offered their support for the letter, which was headed by the National Domestic Workers Alliance (NDWA), which had previously worked with Cuaron for his 2018 drama film Roma.
The letter reads, “As we say goodbye to Participant, we must underscore that values-based storytelling is needed now more than ever. There is a whole ecosystem of people, connected by the work of the last 20 years of Participant, ready to work with you.”
Participant was founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll, but last month it was announced that the company was closing, having garnered 21 Academy Awards out of 86 nominations and grossing over $3.3 billion at the worldwide box office.
The company had stressed a business ethos that sought to produce movies that explored themes of humanitarian issues, equity and corruption, such as Cuaron’s Roma, which detailed the rights of workers in Mexico City.
In a statement, NDWA president Ai-jen Poo noted, “Participant’s model of filmmaking and partnerships showed us the power of storytelling to open our hearts and inspire action in times of change and uncertainty.”
Poo added, “The open letter is a re-commitment to this work, and an invitation to others to join us in harnessing the power of art to change the world.”
In recent Hollywood news, actor Jessica Lange spoke out about how Hollywood is being ruined, pointing out how the film and television industry is dominated by money rather than by creativity.
“We’re living in a corporate world, and it certainly has rolled over into the film industry,” Lange said. “So much of the industry now is not about the creative process. Obviously, this is not across the board, but there are many instances where I feel like the artistic impulse is overwhelmed by the corporate profit motive.”
Hollywood has resumed full action in recent months following several months of writers and actors striking.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.