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The 21st FICM and the UNDP: A Discussion on the Dynamics of Power in Cinema

The discussion "Challenges of Inclusive Cinema: Discussing Power Dynamics" was held at the 21st edition of the Morelia International Film Festival (FICM), in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Mexico.

The participants were: Mario Martínez, student of the Bachelor's Degree in Art and Design at Enes Morelia; Marco Mendoza Montañez, student of the Bachelor's Degree in Cinematography and Performing Arts at Universidad Montrer; Julia García León, student of the Bachelor's Degree in Communication at Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH); Bárbara Ayala Escobar, student of Communication at Universidad Latina de América; Ariadna Ponce Chávez, professor at Universidad Contemporánea de las Américas (UNICLA); Roxana Alejo, Operational Director of Ambulante and administrator of FICM; and Edgar Esquinca, who was moderator of the UNDP.

The purpose of the discussion was to create a space to talk about the abuse of power and its relationship with social inclusion and equality in cinema. The exercise of power is a fundamental element in the discussion on social inclusion, equality, and non-discrimination. It is an opportunity for the unfolding of actions and strategies that contribute to the strengthening of the film industry.

During the discussion, the participants talked about the spaces and mechanisms in which the abuse of power is exercised in the film industry. They talked about the deep representation of diversity in cinema, which goes beyond stereotypes, and about how the FICM could contribute to a change in the exercise of the abuse of power in Mexico.

"Rethinking our own power is a way of exercising it to avoid abuses of power. All the changes are up to us to build. When we are given the opportunity to act differently, we simply have to […] Cinema as such is a device for change. And another device is solidarity. The only way to promote change is to do it together,” Edgar Esquinca said during the talk. 

About the partnership between UNDP in Mexico and FICM

Since 2019, the partnership between UNDP and FICM has been working to position cinema in Mexico as a tool that contributes to progressively building a more just, peaceful and sustainable society. 

In particular, it seeks to carry out actions, within the film industry in Mexico, aimed at promoting the recognition of diversity, respect for differences, the promotion of the principles of gender equality and non-discrimination, and the prevention of violence based on sex and gender, among other issues of common interest. 

The UNDP in Mexico has provided training to FICM staff on the principles of social inclusion and equality. With these actions, the FICM seeks to promote forms of social and community development focused on people, as well as promote a space for the construction of other ways of inhabiting the cinema, focused on inclusion, in addition to a safe space for all the people who converge in it.