**Changing the Narrative: The Drive for Inclusive Storytelling**
Promoting thoughtfulness, rigor, and engagement, Mexican actress Martha Claudia Moreno, who won the Ariel Award for her role in “Distancias cortas” (2015), stresses the urgency of creating narratives with unique identities in the audiovisual industry. She argues for unbiased perspectives, stories told from within communities, and the pressing need to uphold the right to representation.
Widely known for family comedies like the “El cumple de la abuela” trilogy and films like “Amores modernos” and “¿Conoces a Tomás?,” along with series such as “Tijuana” and “La balada de Hugo Sánchez,” Martha Claudia Moreno has been active in advocating for representation since 1993. She is the founder of Seña y Verbo, a company serving both deaf and hearing people, and she actively shares her expertise with the next generation. Recently, she conducted a workshop titled “Accompanying the Actor to See Through the Camera” at the Ensenada International Film Festival, where she discussed the underrepresentation of communities with functional diversity and neurodivergence.
“I believe it’s crucial now to create stories with their own identity, reflecting the realities of the country. I enjoy being part of this movement to discover local talent and decentralize storytelling. Guadalajara and Monterrey are thriving, and Baja California is making significant strides. It is essential to narrate from within, with stories by locals, to dismantle stereotypes and shift paradigms,” stated the actress, known for roles in “Lecciones para canallas” and “Martínez.”
Moreno is a staunch supporter of incorporating diverse narratives, expressing the need for stories from various regions like Ensenada, Tijuana, and Colima. Highlighting the absence of representation for those with disabilities or neurodivergence, she champions initiatives like the ReelAbilities Film Festival, focused on disability-related content. She asserts that all individuals deserve to have their stories told.
Discussing her passion for sharing her knowledge, Moreno, also a casting director, emphasized her role as a connector, paving paths for others. She encourages reflection, discipline, and responsibility in storytelling, sharing with young creators the significance of integrity in filmmaking and entertainment.
As for the future of film, streaming, and social media, Moreno sees platforms like TikTok as a new frontier in cinema, praising its representation qualities. However, she maintains hope for traditional movie theaters, noting how the pandemic demonstrated the potential of at-home entertainment but insisting on the irreplaceable experience of watching films in theaters.
Looking ahead, Moreno is committed to advocating for the representation of neurodivergent and functionally diverse individuals, exploring these themes deeply to shift lasting paradigms around mental health and self-identity.
—
**Secondary Update: Advancements in Inclusion within Film Industry**
Amidst the growing demand for diverse storytelling, significant strides are being made globally to advance inclusivity in film. Festval circuits have increasingly prioritized narratives that amplify marginalized voices, pushing for authentic representation.
One such event is the Toronto International Film Festival, which recently highlighted films focused on underrepresented communities, particularly those with disabilities. The festival’s Spotlight program dedicated to disability-themed cinema was praised for offering a platform to creators typically sidelined by mainstream media.
Moreover, initiatives like the BFI (British Film Institute) have launched wide-scale funding programs supporting neurodivergent artists, aiming not only to provide financial resources but also to facilitate skill development and industry integration.
These efforts emphasize the importance of genuine storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences, echoing Martha Claudia Moreno’s call for narratives that arise from lived experiences rather than external portrayals.
The conversation around inclusive cinema continues to evolve, with global industry players striving to adapt and embrace the myriad of stories that await to be told authentically and responsibly.