Acting : Counteracting CRT by Christopher Hood

Great question, Christopher Hood! Since you asked this in the Acting Lounge, I'll address what I think actors can do to advocate. Actually, advocating is pretty much what they can do. Aligning themselves with non-profits, starting non-profits, even choosing roles that speak to a particular position - or even refusing roles if it goes against their beliefs.

When it comes to misinformation, the only thing actors can do is do their homework. Do the research and stick to the fact-checked information. They can also dip a toe and write their own material or secure the rights to material that they are willing to attach themselves to (once you have a name).

Our collective job as storytellers is to be purveyors of truth. We need the writers to continue to write their truth, producers to recognize that truth and execute the deals to make those projects, and the actors to inhabit those roles in a truthful way that will move audiences.

To be clear, politicians don't make change. Artists do.

Matthew - You surely demonstrate that you get the power of our profession!

Hi Christopher - Absolutely!! The power of filmmaking to help build bridges of understanding between communities and open conversations is something that is built into the mission of the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. We present all kinds of black-jewish stories to educate and entertain. That stands for all our cultural and religious partners, its a year-round effort of community engagement. Would love to chat with you more about this!

Shellie our profession is more important now than at any time in this nation's history. The effectiveness of our art is one of the few mediums remaining for revealing the truth. I am a strong believer in true stories that impact the viewer. Thank you very much for making me aware of your mission.