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Richmond filmmaker demands change in B.C. public broadcaster

Audit reveals funding disparity for racialized community at Knowledge Network
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A Richmond independent filmmaker, along with others in the film industry across B.C., is demanding changes at Knowledge Network, B.C.’s public broadcaster. 

Ying Wang, whose latest documentary secured two nominations for last year’s Canadian Screen Award, told the Richmond News she was distressed, although not surprised, by a recent internal funding audit at Knowledge Network which revealed a lack of support for filmmakers from diverse communities. 

The 2022 audit reports that over the past seven years, only 1.7 per cent of Knowledge Network’s $2.054 million fund for kick-starting original programming went to production companies with “majority racialized” owners and staff, and zero dollars went to support Indigenous film companies. 

“The report triggered a series of concerns regarding the film community. First, it (the funding allocation) doesn’t reflect provincial demographics. Our communities have people from diverse backgrounds, and they all have interesting and meaningful journeys. However, their voices aren’t valued,” said Wang. 

She worried that the audit could discourage young, talented filmmakers of colour from entering the industry or producing stories that matter to their communities. 

“The organization needs a leadership that believes in fairness, equal opportunity and equity,” said Wang. 

Wang’s own documentary “The World is Bright,” which features the journey of an elderly Chinese couple as they uncover the truth behind their son’s death, was nominated last year for a 2021 Canadian Screen Award in the category of best feature-length documentary. 

However, when she had first proposed her story idea to representatives from Knowledge Network, they weren’t interested.  

Wang said she totally understands that people have different preferences. However, when we see a consistent pattern of underfunding projects from certain groups, we have to question whether a rejection reflects the quality of the proposal or a bias on the part of the funder.

Wang said she believes Knowledge Network is interested in tapping into the immigrant community, but it needs to show support for filmmakers of colour.

Barbara Lee, founder of the Vancouver Asian Film Festival and Racial Equality Screen Office, said they feel heartbroken for all the filmmakers from the BIPOC community who have been ignored over the years. 

“We know that Knowledge Network is not alone in this, and we do credit Knowledge Network for having the courage to uncover the depths of the damage they have inflicted. This is just one example of systemic racism in action where the blame cannot be cast on one person or organization. Everyone in the system should be held responsible and accountable for the harm done to underrepresented communities,” said Lee.  

Performance measures needed to improve inclusion, Knowledge Network board chair 

Maurine Karagianis, Knowledge Network board chair, said their organization has accepted the recommendations from the audit report and they are moving ahead with a number of actions.

“We recognize that there is much work to be done to improve opportunities and access for equity-deserving filmmakers, including Indigenous and other racialized people, LGBTQ2IAS+ people, people with disabilities and women. Knowledge Network is committed to collaborating with equity-deserving independent production companies to champion their stories,” said Karagianis in a written email statement. 

Karagianis added that the board has set performance measures to ensure the organization fulfills its commitment to improving equity and inclusion. 

“We believe this is central to the work we do as a public broadcaster. We will be sharing our ongoing progress and achievements through our annual Service Plan Knowledge Network.”

Culture minister Melanie Mark told the News that she would be monitoring Knowledge Network’s work to ensure it is more inclusive.

“I met with Knowledge Network’s CEO, board chair to discuss the results of the Equity Audit and direct them to improve their commissioning practices. I also appointed three new board members with racial equity expertise and lived experience.

“Our government is steadfast in our commitment to continue to stand up for the values shared by British Columbians — equity, inclusiveness, mutual respect and diversity,” said Mark.