Black audiovisual professionals in Brazil face industry inequality

The Association of Black Audiovisual Professionals in Brazil (Apan) has released a letter addressing the persistent inequality within the country’s film and television industry. While noting increased visibility—such as the inclusion of three films with Black narratives in the Oscar pre-selection list, including ‘Feito Pipa’ by Allan Deberton, ‘Vicentina Pede Desculpas’ by Gabriel Martins, and ‘Nosso Segredo’ by Grace Passô—the association emphasizes that representation remains insufficient.

Apan president Tatiana Carvalho highlighted that despite the recognition of these stories on global stages, the space for non-white artists is far below what is expected in a majority-Black nation. The association’s letter, which is non-partisan, calls for greater presence and permanence of Black professionals in the market and production contexts.

Data cited by the association reveals significant disparities in access to resources. In film production, white individuals account for 69.6% of the workforce compared to 29.3% for Black individuals. Furthermore, the association noted that 94% of films receiving federal funding were directed by white people, pointing to a disproportionate distribution of public support.