Disability inclusion initiative to launch at Durban FilmMart

The Disabled Audiovisual Workers Network (DAWN) will have its Durban launch on Friday 19 July at this year’s edition of the Durban Film Mart, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and representation in the South African Film and TV Industry.

DAWN aims to align persons with disabilities working or interested in the industry, as well as representatives from industry bodies, broadcasters, and funding bodies, to work together towards a more inclusive and accessible industry.

The launch will serve as a platform for frank discussions about the current situation for people with disabilities working in the industry and what can be done to improve the situation. DAWN plans to connect people with disabilities, lobby for better representation both behind and in front of the camera, make the industry more accessible at every level, and work with funding bodies, broadcasters, and professional industry bodies to ensure meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities.

Karen Jeynes, one of the organizers, emphasized the importance of good representation of disability in media and film. “Representation matters. It shapes public perception, breaks down stereotypes, and promotes understanding. DAWN will push for meaningful change, embedded into policies and contracts, to have a lasting impact. We want to see people with disabilities represented at every level of the industry.”

Jeynes also highlighted the work already done at Fame Week Africa, which hosted the first-ever Disability Inclusion Plenary session in 2023 and introduced the Inclusive Lens Awards in 2024 to recognize diverse narratives in film and series. “These initiatives have laid the groundwork for the launch of DAWN, and we are grateful for the support and commitment shown by the industry thus far,” Jeynes added.

Magdalene Reddy, Director at DFM, expressed her support for DAWN’s mission. “The Durban FilmMart is proud to host the launch of DAWN. We believe in the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the film industry and look forward to working with DAWN to achieve these goals. This is just the beginning of a long journey towards a more representative and accessible industry.”

Simon Manda, Editor of THISABILITY Newspaper, a media platform raising voices on disability inclusion in South Africa, adds, “DAWN’s launch is a crucial step towards a more inclusive film and TV industry in South Africa. THISABILITY Newspaper fully supports this initiative and urges everyone to join the conversation. Remember the adage of inclusion and representation; Nothing about us without us. Together, we can create an industry that truly represents and includes all voices.”

DAWN invites all those working in the South African film and TV industry, as well as allies to the cause, to join and work together towards a more inclusive and accessible industry. The network plans to consult internationally on best practices and push for meaningful change that can be embedded into policies and contracts, ensuring a lasting impact.