New Campaign 'Bring It to Light' Aims to Address Abuse in Film Industry

In a significant development for the film industry, the Film and Music Industry Association (FAMA) unveiled its new initiative, 'Bring It to Light,' in Graz on Saturday. This campaign seeks to raise awareness regarding abuse, bullying, and discrimination within the sector. The association's president emphasized the importance of having a language to address these issues, stating that for a long time, victims lacked the terminology to articulate their experiences.

The president of the Austrian Film Academy likened the previous silence surrounding abuse to a scenario where individuals suffer from headaches without a word to describe their pain. This lack of vocabulary made it challenging for victims to share their experiences. The campaign strives to combat systemic and structural abuse of power, advocating for an environment where individuals can assertively say 'no' without fear of repercussions, a goal that remains unachieved.

FAMA's chairman stressed the necessity of vigilance, urging industry members to observe rather than ignore problematic behavior. The campaign aims to expand awareness through animated films and a dedicated website, highlighting that the creative industry is often under significant time and budget constraints, which can perpetuate an environment conducive to abusive behavior. Acknowledging these factors is crucial for changing the prevailing culture.

The initiative is based on a comprehensive guideline developed by FAMA, addressing both employer responsibilities and employee rights. As such, 'Bring It to Light' targets both sides of the industry. The push for this campaign is partly a response to the increased demand for support at the 2019-established #we_do! help center, which serves as a resource for individuals facing issues related to abuse and harassment.

Recent reports indicate a notable rise in reports submitted to the #we_do! help center. The volume of cases reported in the first quarter of the year was so high that the annual budget was nearly exhausted by May, necessitating a shift to emergency operations. Although communication strategies were significantly reduced, the number of reports has continued to grow, with 99 cases reported in 2024, up from 79 the previous year. Of these, 65 were from women, 19 from men, and 15 from individuals identifying as non-binary. Approximately half of the complaints involved sexual harassment and violence, while a third pertained to abuse of power and exploitation.

This year marks a transformative phase for the #we_do! help center, as it transitions to an independent ombudsman office. A new non-profit organization named 'we-do. Ombudsstelle für Film & TV' has been established to oversee this initiative, signaling a shift away from direct association with the Austrian film producers' umbrella organization. This new structure is set to be unveiled later this year, with one of the current representatives remaining involved while another steps back.

For more information on this campaign and related resources, visit www.bringsanslicht.at and www.we-do.info.