Cannes Lens 2019: Diversity in Cannes
10th year of promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival.
Created by Yolonda Brinkley, Diversity in Cannes is an independent movement promoting the presence of marginalized and underrepresented filmmakers as well as celebrating their achievements at the world's most prestigious film festival. The 10th anniversary celebration of Diversity in Cannes included film screenings, panel discussions, awards receptions and official after party as well as the world premiere of the organization’s first short film. Diversity in Cannes was held during the second week of the Cannes Film Festival, May 19-23, 2019.
Since its inception in 2010, Diversity in Cannes has emerged from a simple filmmaker symposium to a comprehensive program including a short film showcase, a U.S. based Pre-Cannes Film Festival information session sponsored by the WGA West’s Equity and Inclusion department, and the Black Lives Black Stories Matter Short Film Tour. In 2012, Ms. Brinkley and Diversity in Cannes were nominated for a European Diversity Award for her efforts.
In nine short years, Diversity in Cannes has hosted hundreds of emerging and established filmmakers from five continents and welcomed esteemed panelists including the 2010 Cannes Film Festival Golden Camera Award Winner Michael Rowe, Alrick Brown, director of Kinyarwanda, the 2011 Sundance Film Festival Audience Award Winner, Lisa Cortes, Executive Producer of Precious and Annemarie Jacir, the first Palestinian female feature filmmaker and two-time Cannes Film Festival alum.
Originally from Philly, Yolanda has lived and work in France for many years before starting this initiative. Fast forward to 2019 and Yolonda now conducts informational sessions at the WGA in LA and NYC on how to navigate the Cannes Film Festival as a person on color. Last year, the Cannes Film Festival invited her to curate a session on women filmmakers of color.
As a subject matter expert, Yolonda also gives a practical guide to those interested in attending Cannes and being apart of the Cannes Film Festival. She would be an excellent feature!
Yolonda Brinkley is a full-service marketing communications professional with extensive brand development, event production and public relations experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark Atlanta University and an MBA from University of Illinois Urbana- Champaign. Ms. Brinkley is fluent in French with international experience.
A corporately trained marketer, Ms. Brinkley worked 10 years at the Ford Motor Company, including assignments with the Lincoln Mercury and Aston Martin, Jaguar Land Rover brands. During her tenure, Ms. Brinkley established herself as a valuable resource within the branded entertainment community. She fostered relationships with Fortune 500 companies and other notable organizations including Nike’s Jordan Brand, Jim Beam, Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, Magic Johnson Enterprises, New Jersey Nets, Madison Square Garden, Sybase Golf Tournament, United States Tennis Association and Black Enterprise Magazine.
As an entrepreneur, the momentum continues globally. Since 2008, Ms. Brinkley has managed events for the NAACP Hollywood Bureau “Image Awards”, the Hollywood Black Film Festival and Filmmakers Alliance. She has represented actors and filmmakers at global film festivals including Sundance and the Toronto International Film Festival. Additionally, she has developed brand marketing strategy for sports and entertainment figures including Bill Duke, for whom she served as personal and production publicist for the “Light Girls” Documentary, which premiered on The Oprah Winfrey Network.
Ms. Brinkley constantly creates opportunities for herself and others by impacting the global entertainment industry as the creator of Beyond Borders: Diversity in Cannes, an independent filmmaker movement promoting inclusion at the Cannes Film Festival. Celebrating a decade of diversity in May 2019, the movement was established to promote the presence of underrepresented filmmakers sharing stories about marginalized populations during the Cannes Film Festival, in France.
In her personal time, Ms. Brinkley loves traveling, coordinating special events and all facets of the performing arts; especially dance. Most importantly, is her love of family. She understands the need for a solid foundation and appreciates those who have contributed to the woman she is today!
