Out Takes

22 Mar 2017

On Screen Diversity and Jasper Jones

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Following the historic win by MOONLIGHT at the Oscars, we turn out attention to the importance of on-screen diversity for this Out Takes show.

For many, the critical success that MOONLIGHT has enjoyed signals an epoch in diverse representation. But of all the films to be nominated for Best Picture, MOONLIGHT grossed the least. We know that diverse representation matters. Seeing ourselves is critical. So why aren’t audiences buying tickets to films that champion diversity?

They’re not tuning into diverse television programmes either. It is ironic that MOONLIGHT should win Best Picture in the same week that DOUBT – Lavern Cox’s new drama – was axed and WHEN WE RISE pulled poultry audiences. So why aren’t queer audiences supporting queer content?

We unpack this fraught question by looking at diverse representation closer to home. Our guest is Rachel Perkins, one of Australia’s premiere directors. She joins us to celebrate the theatrical release of her new film JASPER JONES. Based on the novel by Craig Silvey, JASPER JONES is a coming of age story set in rural Australia in the mid 1960’s.

Perkins is known for founding Blackfella Films, which advocates for diverse on-screen representation and produces distinctive indigenous content. Her previous films include BRAN NUE DAE, REDFERN NOW and the award winning RADIANCE. We chat with Perkins about JASPER JONES, the importance of diverse representation and why we so rarely see queer indigenous Australians on screen.