A group of actors, directors, and activists have released an open letter urging Hollywood studios to prioritize producing movies and shows that create social impact. This comes after the recent shutdown of Participant Media, a company known for socially-conscious filmmaking.
The letter was organized by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, a nonprofit group that partnered with Participant on projects like the movie Roma. Signers include major names like George Clooney, Ava DuVernay, Regina King, Kerry Washington, Michael Keaton, and Jane Fonda, as well as organizations like the ACLU and GLAAD.
“Participant showed us the power of storytelling to inspire action during times of change,” said the Alliance’s president Ai-jen Poo. “This letter is a re-commitment to that work, inviting others to use art to change the world.”
Participant, which produced acclaimed films like Spotlight, Green Book, and An Inconvenient Truth, announced its closure in April after 20 years. This was a major blow, especially for documentary filmmakers who relied on Participant to fund and promote impactful non-fiction projects.
The letter praises Participant for empowering bold storytellers, working with advocates, and never underestimating audiences’ desire for thought-provoking content that offers new perspectives. It calls on Hollywood to meet this moment by championing the “next generation of producers” integrating Participant’s learnings.
As Participant proved, the signers argue, audiences crave films with purpose that can create real-world change. With Participant gone, they hope the entertainment industry will continue prioritizing values-based stories and partnerships between storytellers and social movements.