SAG-AFTRA Vice President Discusses On-Screen Beauty and Representation at Panel

SAG-AFTRA Vice President, New York & New York Local President Ezra Knight was a guest speaker at the 22nd Annual Run&Shoot Filmworks Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival panel Reclaiming Our Beauty on Aug. 7. The panel, sponsored by L’Oréal Group, also included writer-producer Sidra Smith and Carol’s Daughter Founder Lisa Price, and was moderated by L’Oréal Group Vice President, Head of DE&I Communications & Strategic Partnerships Aubrey Maslen.

The panel was a conversation about Black beauty representation in film and television, with panelists discussing the industry's push for more inclusive beauty standards. Knight was asked about the union’s advocacy work for Black performers and how the 2023 TV/Theatrical Contracts negotiations helped contribute to the union’s long-term goals toward on-screen representation and equity. At the panel’s conclusion, the speakers shared their thoughts on how consumers can further help and advocate for better media representation. Following the panel was a Q&A session.

The Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival showcases independent African American filmmakers within the narrative and documentary film categories. This year’s festival took place Aug. 2–10.

Photo: From left, SAG-AFTRA Vice President, New York & New York Local President Ezra Knight, writer-director Sidra Smith, Carol’s Daughter Founder Lisa Price and panel moderator, L’Oréal Group Vice President, Head of DE&I Communications & Strategic Partnerships Aubrey Maslen at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival panel 'Reclaiming Our Beauty' on Aug.