Gemma Chan wants to give underrepresented groups a “seat at the table”.
Gemma Chan
The 37-year-old actress believes social diversity expands beyond issues with gender and race, and the best way to tackle it is to include people with different backgrounds, sexualities, and disabilities in the “earlier stages” of the movie-making process.
She told Red magazine: “It is a problem and not just in terms of gender and race but also disability, sexuality, gender identity, and socioeconomic status.
“We have made huge strides, but there’s much further to go. We need to ensure that people from underrepresented groups are allowed a seat at the table at an earlier stage in the decision-making progress.”
Although Gemma thinks more equal opportunities are being given to women, she knows they still have to continue advocating to keep the “door open”.
She said: “I think women are already good at supporting one another. Now that more women are in positions of power, it’s important to keep that door open and to continue to advocate for equal opportunities.”
Similarly, the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ star believes it is important for different races to be portrayed in big blockbusters so they can see themselves in the media after taking her parents to see the 2018 movie.
Asked what has been her proudest achievement, she replied: “Taking my parents to the ‘Crazy Rich Asians’ premiere in London. It meant so much to my family to see people who look like us on screen in a mainstream Hollywood film for the first time.”
Gemma previously scooped the 2020 Women In Film Max Mara Face of the Future Award and the honour marked a turning point in her career.
She maintains that she was honoured by working hard and choosing roles that help her to stay true to herself.
She added: “By working hard, staying true to myself and making the most of the opportunities I’m fortunate enough to have been given.
“I always endeavour to choose my roles carefully and collaborate with people that I respect and admire.”
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