With over 1,000 applications to go through, we have now contacted everyone about your application to go with us to Cannes, please check your spam/junk mail and we look forward to seeing you all at the pre Cannes Party + other events we’ll be doing.
A Message from Cephas Williams - “As many of you know, we received over 1,000 applications which was both overwhelming and inspiring, each showcasing remarkable achievements and aspirations. After many days and hours of review, we have come to a decision on the 50 people going. This has been a very difficult decision to make and please remember this is bigger than Cannes. The presence of the 50 that will go to the festival with us represents a much bigger idea and community.
This decision was incredibly difficult due to the overwhelming number of great applications we received. It’s also deeply disheartening when we consider how deserving everyone was alongside the fact that I’ve had to do this with minimal support from the industry. However, the change I’m driving is greater than the resistance I’m facing. I questioned how much I give myself to this work when I heard my son cry real deep tears the other day because I wasn’t able to spend more time with him that evening, I reflect and think perhaps I’ve given too much of myself to this cause, but I remember what I wrote in Letter to Zion and how far away we are from the world I described to him in that letter.
Across the last 3 years I have put over £90,000 of my own money into this work, I will now have taken over 100 Black people to the festival and supported their career growth in various ways. I’ve committed this money to not only see more Black people at the festival, but to see our people better connected across the industry. Last night I sent a further £35,000 from my savings to make this trip happen. I explain this not to be thanked but to be understood, when you see me in Cannes, understand what I stand for. My presence there carries a much greater meaning, my interest in seeing this change comes from a real place, because I care, because like many other leaders, I said I would commit to the change. This is why I put my money where my mouth is, this is not a competition for me neither is it a flex. This is a real message to the industry and its leaders. That message is simple, if you really turn over millions in profit, if you really have decision making power and if you really want to see the experience and trajectory of Black people change across the industry, don't just watch me, back me. Can we turn this 50 to 500?
If I could take more people I would. But I can only afford to take just under 5% of those who applied. As much as we can only take 50, this is far from a competition, this is about a much bigger message to the industry and I seriously value everyone who has applied themselves to the work I do and this process. It’s not about individual success, it’s about collective growth and systemic change.”
---
Together We Are Stronger
Marine Underwriter at The Hartford, Mom of 3, NAAIA Board Member & Rising Leader for Insure Equality
3wI’m not in fashion or anything but I just want to be on the list one day 😂