Show Up, Take Seat, Lean In and Tell Your Story

Yolonda Brinkley, creator of Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes announced today plans to celebrate the voice and power of global women in film during the independently produced Diversity Day at the 69th Festival de Cannes. Women in Formation,a parallel section of the 2016 Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, will feature films from across the globe that capture unique female perspectives at a private screening in the south of France this May.

At a time when diverse feminine voices remain undervalued by those who still believe women should be seen and not heard, Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes, the independent global filmmaker movement promoting diversity of age, gender, physical ability, race, religion and sexual orientation at the Cannes Film Festival, provides a platform to promote their talent, creativity and storytelling prowess. With the spirit of Malala Yousafzai and countless women fighting for gender parity across multiple disciplines, the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase will celebrate the voice and power of women in film at the world's most prestigious entertainment industry event.

"While Hollywood, The Academy and the international film community sit on their asses creating reports and conducting studies about the industry's lack of diversity, in response to #OscarsSoWhite, Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes is making strides to shift the paradigm," Yolonda Brinkley, the organization's creator, comments. "The terms diversity, inclusion and integration are not simply trending topics for us. We have been in the trenches since 2010 promoting diversity in Cannes before it became popular. And our efforts continue in 2016 with the Women in Formation edition of the Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, encouraging women to show up, take a seat, lean in and tell their stories at the Cannes Film Festival."

The Beyond Borders: Diversity in CannesShort Film Showcase, Women in Formation edition, will give special distinction to six filmmakers who depict honorable images of the feminine voice at an independent screening during Diversity Day at the Cannes Film Festival. To culminate, these women along with general showcase participants and other trailblazing diversity advocates will be acknowledged at an awards reception in their honor.

In celebration of Women's History Month, female filmmakers are encouraged to submit their films and web-series to the 2016 Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase for consideration in the 'Women in Formation' edition. Regular submission deadline (3/14/16) extended through March 31, 2016 for women. Moreover, in accord with International Women's Day, the organization has made a #PledgeforParity offering $10 off today's submission fees for all women themed/crewed films. Use code LEANINIWD (3/8) or LEANINWHM (3/15-3/31) at www.filmfreeway.com/festival/diversityincannes for discount. For more information visit www.diversityincannes.com or email us at diversityincannes@hotmail.com.