Films With A Cause
Founder: Yazmeen Kanji
Advocacy and consulting startup dedicated to moving film and television industries towards meaningful and authentic representations of historically marginalized communities, behind and in front of the camera.
Historically marginalized communities are misrepresented and underrepresented in mainstream film and TV content. Film and TV executives are experiencing pressure to meaningfully represent such communities both from audiences and industry members. Studies show that media representation directly impacts how we understand our own experiences and those of others. Self esteem for those who have lacked validation through honest media portrayals is crucial to personal development. On a sociopolitical level, authentic media representation allows decision makers and everyday people to consider how they can use their privilege for supporting marginalized communities in accessing resources needed to not only survive, but thrive. In the North American context, such communities may include immigrants and refugees, people of colour and more specifically Black communities, Indigenous communities, Asian and Arab communities, Muslim communities, LGBTQIA2S+ communities and disabled folks.
Films With A Cause began as a collective of creative university students who are passionate about storytelling that opens hearts and minds. Since 2019, Films With A Cause organizes spaces for dialogue sharing and community building initiatives with the support of well established industry members and leading industry organizations. The founder, an Indo-Caribbean Muslim filmmaker, experienced barriers to accessing resources and noticed this was not only an issue for emerging filmmakers, but all historically marginalized folks in the industry. Having connections to non-profit organizations, academics and community leaders who are advocating for the breakdown of systemic inequities, Yazmeen Kanji decided to bridge both worlds. Films With A Cause now supports creatives in achieving meaningful and authentic representation of historically marginalized communities through consulting services that directly connect communities who have lived experience, academic knowledge and industry experience with clients seeking guidance on their projects.
By creating jobs for historically marginalized communities in gatekeeped spaces, and opening up avenues for better and more ethical storytelling practices, Films With A Cause is revolutionizing film and TV industries.
