Beyond the Lens: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Film
Beyond the Lens: Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Film
Event Details
Who are diverse stories for? Well, everyone, of course, but how do we make it the cultural norm? And who’s allowed to tell these stories? This panel features filmmaker Emmai Alaquiva, public television producer Minette Seate, and Ron Finley, the Gangsta Gardener—all of whom are working to level the playing field. Moderated by Mexican film producer Mariana Méndez.
Co-Presented by The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
Emmai Alaquiva
Filmmaker
Emmai Alaquiva is a four-time Emmy Award-winning film director for Roc Nation (Jay Z’s Book of HOV), Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, Rihanna’s FENTY brand, The ROOTS and more. Most recently, he was appointed by Governor Josh Shapiro to serve as Vice Chair of the Arts for the State of Pennsylvania and his philanthropic community impact has been recognized by President Barack Obama. With a mission of crystallizing the human spirit through cinematic and purposeful storytelling, his palpable work has been featured on Good Morning America, Forbes Magazine and The New York Times. Most recently, he just wrapped his feature documentary film The Ebony Canal with Academy Award-Winner, Viola Davis.
Ron Finley
Master Gardener and Film Subject
Ron Finley is an Artist, Activist, Humanitarian, sometimes Gardener; renowned as a Gangsta Gardener (because gardening is gangsta), from South Central LA, has garnered global acclaim as a leading advocate for healthy food initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Through the Ron Finley Project, he promotes sustainable urban farming and community-led food security, inspiring people to reclaim their spaces for gardens. Finley’s work emphasizes self-sufficiency, food accessibility, and the power of gardening to foster community resilience.
Mariana Méndez
Producer and Publicist
Mariana is a film producer and awards publicist based in New York City. Since 2017, as part of JJPR, she has supported the execution of Academy Award® campaigns for entertainment companies such as Amazon, Apple, Focus Features, GKIDS, Searchlight, and Warner Bros., as well as campaigns for the Oscar® winning shorts Skin (2019) and The Neighbor’s Window (2020), along with five other nominated shorts.
Through her production company, Mindsoup, she has produced several acclaimed short films including Oscar® nominated shorts in both the live action and animation spaces. Her latest animated short film, Humo, was shortlisted for the 96th Academy Awards®, nominated for an Annie Award, and the recipient of an Ariel Award, Mexico’s highest film honor.
She holds an MBA from New York University’s Stern School of Business, is a member of the Producers Guild of America (PGA) and sits on the board of the Jalisco Film Commission.
Minette Seate
Producer
Minette Seate is Managing Director of Local Production and Programming at WQED Multimedia. She produces a range of television programs and documentaries including the weekly series Filmmakers Corner. She won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy Award for the documentary Friends and Neighbors, a look at the continuing legacy of Fred Rogers. Her latest documentary is The Good Fight, featuring local African American men and women who served our country during WWll while facing injustice and discrimination at home. Seate is a former board member of Film Pittsburgh and is a member of the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation.