We all want to see ourselves represented in the media and networks like HBO are making that happen.
The Sundance Film Festival wrapped this weekend in what was an epic two weeks of storytelling, socializing, and meeting of the minds for the best and brightest in Film + TV. Among the industry giants advocating for it’s creators this year was WarnerMedia and its divisions HBO, TNT and TBS for a 3-day pop up experience entitled Our Stories To Tell.
In association with the Our Stories To Tell series, which honors a commitment to multicultural storytelling, creators and audiences, HBO hosted an array of events and panels throughout the week which included Après Ski with Shangela Laquifa Wadley (We’re Here, HBO), the Lowkey Insecure Dinner with stars of Insecure, Issa Rae, Yvonne Orji, Prentice Penny, Jay Ellis, and Alexander Hodge, and a Creators Brunch honoring storytellers of all backgrounds, to name a few.
Aside from the beautifully hosted events, what was most impressive to witness at Sundance was the continuous efforts displayed by WarnerMedia and HBO who have always championed diverse talent both in front and behind the camera.
“We’re committed to authentic storytelling, provocative storytelling, raw storytelling and specific voices”, says Lucinda Martinez, EVP of Multicultural Marketing, Brand + Inclusion Strategy at WarnerMedia
“At HBO we have a powerful legacy of representation, but imagine then you also extend that in everything that you do. You create these safe spaces where you can actually have these necessary conversations to explore and not just be the “other” in the room, but be the major, be the everyone in the room! And by definition that changes the conversation.”
In a fast changing world, especially when it comes to the entertainment industry, it’s inspiring to see there is room for creators of all backgrounds coming together to celebrate what they love, telling stories, and companies like HBO are making that happen.
