Diversity Without Borders: DEI and the Power of Representation
Karolina Rum, the President & Founder of Women In Film & Television Poland, wrote for Stage 32 an article highlighting strategies for creating cross-cultural films. The article speaks about the importance of diversity: “Including female voices and talent doesn’t make your film niche- it gives it oxygen.”, says Karolina Rum.
The 5 keypoints of diverse filmmaking are:
1) Think global, write local: authenticity is the new universality
2) Build the right team across borders
3) Financing global content - challenges and opportunities
4) Diversity Without Borders: DEI and the power of representation
5) Networking internationally: relationships that build careers
In the article, you will find tips, case-studies and inspirational quotes for each section. If you are curious to learn about cross-cultural films and how to make your filmmaking practices inclusive, check out the entire article here:
Here is a sneak peek:
Diversity isn’t a box to tick - it’s the engine of storytelling. In the context of global content, DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) isn’t just ethical - it’s strategic.
Audiences want to see themselves reflected on screen. More than that, they want fresh perspectives. For instance, including female voices and talent doesn’t make your film niche- it gives it oxygen.
Across Europe and the US, we’re seeing the slow rise of gender parity in directing, producing, and writing, but it’s far from enough. Organizations like Women In Film & Television International consist of chapters around the world, most recently with a newly opened chapter in Poland (WIFT Poland) during the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, and they are pushing toward a more inclusive film industry and all screen-based media. They support DEI strategies by boosting education with strong partners like Stage32, sharing knowledge (like this blog), connecting (networking aspect), and raising visibility.
But true DEI goes beyond numbers. It means empowering creatives from different backgrounds to tell their stories on their own terms, ei. not filtered through a dominant gaze. It means building teams that reflect the world we’re trying to reach. It means shaping a sustainable future together.
Tip: Apply DEI not just to casting, but to your entire team - from writers to music composers to publicists. Global storytelling means global voices at every level.
Case-study: Anatomy of a Fall (France, 2023) – Dir. Justine Triet - a prime example of how female-led, cross-cultural storytelling can challenge dominant perspectives and captivate a global audience. (By the way, Justine Triet became only the third woman ever to win the Palme d’Or).
Inspiring quote: "In a competitive talent market in which engagement drives retention and profits, Inclusifying is the key to innovation, growth, and continued success." - Inclusify by Stefanie K. Johnson (p. xx - Introduction)