True story. When I was growing up there was nothing else I loved more than going to the movies. Anytime my mom or dad would take me to the theater, it was like Christmas. I sat through the Home Alone‘s, the Mrs. Doubtfire‘s, the Disney movies, etc. My time with them, and the big screen, was what ultimately drove the passion I have for this industry. Movies have and always will mean the world to me. And that’s why I’ve made it my goal to do whatever I can to make even the smallest impact on this industry I care about so much.
But while someone like me can dream, the truth of the matter is it’s not always easy for people like me to get ahead in this industry. It’s not easy to make it in the industry in general, but stats and numbers have proven that in the past it has been easier for Caucasians to get hired for roles or directing gigs than people of color. But that’s exactly why, as the tide slowly sways towards equilibrium and equal opportunity, it’s important for us to support one another when huge opportunities come up for people like us. I believe the world is changing for the better. And the more we support that change, the greater the balance becomes.
And that’s where our friends at Gold House and CAPE have been completely invaluable.
The good folks at both organizations have been instrumental in getting Gold Opens going for some of the biggest films that represent the greater change in the industry; films that provide a voice to folks that have been otherwise underrepresented in the past. They helped make successes out of Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights, Green Knight, and of course Shang-Chi. And now the organization is taking things up to the next level!
Today is the launch of the #OneOpen initiative — a spin-off of the successful Gold Open movement that seeks to bolster the opening weekend box office for films led by a diverse ensemble of talent and filmmakers. NALIP, RespectAbility, and Color Of Change are among the organizations that have teamed up to amplify this initiative and elevate these multicultural communities. And it begins with Marvel Studios Eternals!
As stated in our review, Eternals is a testament to how the industry has the potential to change for the better. The representation across the board is phenomenal, from the hiring of Chloé Zhao as director and writer, to having Gemma Chan be the leader of the team, to hiring Lauren Ridloff portray Makkari, the MCU’s first deaf superhero. And now Gold House and Cape want to celebrate this. So as part of the initiative, they are launching an official fundraiser to provide open caption screenings for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing community to provide opportunities to see themselves represented on the big screen without inaccessibility issues. The page can be found at GoFundMe.com/Eternals and will also feature all major Marvel Studios’ Eternals buyout campaigns. Additionally, Gold House will host two #OneOpen Premieres in partnership with CAPE, Color of Change, NALIP and RespectAbility with the film’s cast and over 1500 super-VIPs in Los Angeles and New York City.
Visit https://www.goldopen.com/One-Open/ for more information.
Eternals hits theaters November 5!
