U Talk Features: Representation in Media

In the 2016 census, more than 7.67 million Canadians (approximately 22 per cent of the population) described themselves as belonging to a community included in the visible minority category.

Roughly 75% of Canada’s population growth comes from immigration, mainly in the economic category. By 2036, immigrants will represent up to 30% of Canada’s population.

From that 2016 census, 1,673,785 identified as Indigenous. First Nation, Inuit, and Metis.

The number of individuals identifying as a minority is increasing, and representation in media should follow suit. Although it has gotten way better over the years, it still has a ways to go.

The 2019/20 season in Canada saw 112 Canadian feature film production, up from 128 in the previous year. Most productions were English-language, with just 30 French-language movies made last season.

When looking at American films, researchers analyzed 139 films with the highest gross global ticket receipts in 2018. They found that 41.0% of lead roles went to women and 26.6% to minorities. And among all acting roles in those films, 40.4% went to women and 30.9% to people of colour.

Let’s look at the victories here in Canada for visible minorities. A documentary called Subjects of Desire and the FascinAsian Film festival in Winnipeg.