Sponsored Post: ACTRA Toronto Raise Awareness About Diversity in the Casting Process
Lifestyle Sep 09, 2015
ACTRA Toronto and HangLoose Media will be teaming up to raise awareness of diversity in movies, film, TV, radio and web media with their invite-only Studio Film District Party on September 15. ANOKHI MEDIA is a proud media partner for the event.
ACTRA Toronto is a national institution for actors and creative professionals. ACTRA Toronto’s jurisdiction includes all of Ontario outside the National Capital Region and represents over 15,000 of ACTRA’s 22,000 members.
It's an initiative that's been long in the making for Farah Merani, ACTRA's Diversity Committee co-chair, who is excited to join partying forces with ACTRA's other committees like the Young Emerging Actors Assembly and ACTRA Toronto Women's Committee.
Photo Credit: Farah Merani
"We decided to join forces to do one together and also include the ACTRA Toronto Women's Committee. Three times stronger and three times bigger. We each selected members to spearhead the event and they have done an amazing job at bringing major partners on board, including our principal partners, HangLoose Media. This party is going to be major, one of the most coveted invite lists in town," Merani said.
Merani has been co-chair of the Diversity Committee, alongside Sedina Fiati, since February 2014. She's an actor and producer who's enjoyed success across the globe, appearing in productions at Shakespeare’s Globe, the Vakhtangov Theatre in Moscow, The Old Vic, and Toronto’s Factory Theatre. Her TV and film credits include Nikita, Lost Girl, Covert Affairs, and The Listener. The committe is committed to showcasing the culturally diverse artistic community within the film and television industry and is regularly involved with initiatives like the Casting Diversity database, which is a project close to Merani.
"It's a Database of self-identifying diverse ACTRA members from across the country that producers, casting directors and other industry professionals have access to as they cast their projects. We also hold a number of industry networking events and member educational sessions. These include our annual industry speed-dating event, casting director workshops and more," said Merani.
Photo Credit: Sarena Parmar
Raising awareness about this large community of actors has been a passion for Sarena Parmar, the party's co-spearhead organizer. She's an actress and writer who's appeared in How to be Indie, Suits, Degrassi: The Next Generation, Flashpoint, The Border and many more projects. She's also witnessed the striking changes in the diversity of actors in the media.
"There are so many more diverse performers entering the business than when I started out, especially South Asian actors. Every time I go to an audition, there are so many new faces, and that is exciting to me! It means diverse people are starting to see themselves reflected on screen, and believe there is a place for them in the industry.
"We still have a long way to go: more diversity in leading roles, moving away from culturally-stereotypical characters, fostering diversity behind the camera. But in these emerging talents, I see hope," said Parmar.
Both Merani and Parmar are excited for the party, which will celebrate ACTRA's amazing and versatile talents, and they encourage partygoers to use the hashtag #ActraGetsLoose.
Feature Photo Credit: ACTRA
Rumnique Nannar
Author
Rumnique Nannar is a new journalist with a passion for all things pop culture, film, and art. Rumnique was born in London, with a predilection for devouring English chocolate with her Vogue, ANOKHI, and Glamour magazines in tow. She is currently in her Journalism Masters at UBC. Connect ...
COMMENTS
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Not Into Flu Shots? Try These Centuries-Old Desi Home Remedies Instead!
-
Diwali Gift Guide: Barbie® Diwali Doll & 8 More Unique South Asian Gift Ideas
-
From Turkey To Tadka: Desi-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes
-
Mommy's Time-Out: How To Reclaim Your Zen After The Back-to-School Scramble
-
Khichdi Cups & 5 South Asian School Lunch Recipes For Busy Desi Parents
-
6 Complaints Desi Grandparents Have About Keeping Pets & How You Can Counter Them
-
Raksha Bandhan Gift Guide: Celebrate The Festival With A Modern Twist!
-
Summer Elixirs: Healthy South Asian Cooling Drink Recipes To Beat The Heat
-
Stay Cool: Build a Summer Garden Oasis At Home With Tulsi & Shade
-
Celebrating International Yoga Day: Find Your Balance Through Chakra Meditation
-
Spice Up Your Summer BBQ With These 5 Mouthwatering South Asian Recipes
-
South Asian Heritage Month: Journey Through Time With 8 Iconic South Asian Travel Destinations
-
How To Add Ancient South Asian Spiritual Cleansing Rituals To Modern Spring Cleaning Techniques
-
Toronto's Living Luxe Design Show Sets a New Standard for Luxury Exhibitions
-
Savouring South Asian Style: Elevate Your Home Decor with Cultural Flair
-
6 Ways To Create Fun Quality Time With Your Kids & Parents That Both Will Love!
-
Celebrating South Asian Literature: Must-Read Books by Female Authors
-
Flavourful Festivities: Traditional Holi Recipes To Spice Up Your Table
-
The Living Luxe Design Show Presented By JennAir Announces Powerhouse Program Of Speakers
-
7 Ways Yoga Will Save Your Mental Health
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Can I Convince My Friend That Her Threatening Boyfriend Is The Problem, Not Me?
-
10 Tips To Manage & Survive Long-Distance Relationships
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm Afraid My Childhood Bully Will Be Back In My Life, What Do I Do?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Create "Me Time" In My Demanding Life?
-
Hot Spot Alert: Mishree Cocktails & Cuisine Exhilarates With South Asian X Middle Eastern Cuisine
-
BioAro Founder Dr. Anmol Kapoor Wants You To Be The CEO Of Your Health
-
Savour the Holidays With This Paneer Pakora Recipe By KFI Sauces!
-
Here's How To Craft And Achieve Meaningful New Year's Resolutions
-
Snack It Up This Holiday Season with Indian-Inspired Potato Wedges by KFI Sauces
-
Butter Chicken Nachos Recipe By KFI Sauces Is Perfect For Your Holiday Spread
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend She's Taking My Emotional Support For Granted?
-
Anjali Pathak of Patak's Shares Her Favourite Recipes For The Holiday Season
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Why Does Our Family Get Togethers Always End With A Fight?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law To Stop Intruding In My Daughter's Wedding Plans?
-
Event Alert: The Auric Living Conference Brings Holistic Healing To Toronto
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: I'm On The Outs With My Friend Because I Supported Her Breakup What Do I Do?
-
Event Alert: The Desai Foundation Rings In 10th Anniversary of "Diwali On The Hudson" Gala
-
South Asians & Arthritis: Busting Myths And Sharing Facts About This Disease In Our Community
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Kids That My Granddaughter's Best Friend Is A Bully?
-
Make Your Brunch Brilliant With This French Buckwheat Crepes & Dosas Recipe!
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Sis-In-Law That Her Messy Dog Is Not Welcome At My House?
-
You Just Need A Hot Pot To Make This Amazing Masala Style Vegan Tomato Soup
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Friend To Stop Interrupting Me?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Trust My Husband After He Cheated On Me?
-
Check Out This Insane Recipe For Mini Masala Idli
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Tell My Brother That His Cottage Rules Ruins All The Fun?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: What Do I Do When My Fiancé Shares His Dog With His Ex?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Convince My Partner That Our Six-Year-Old Is To Young For Sleepovers?
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: How Do I Deal With My Friend Who Always Wants To Start A Fight?
-
Here's Why Paris Calls Tharshan Selvarajah The Best Baguette Baker In The City
-
Ask Dr. Monica Vermani: Help! My Bestie Roommate Is A Nightmare
-
Pride 2023: Why Is India's Supreme Court Taking So Long To Legalize Same Sex Marriage?
