The U.K.’s Film and TV Charity has been liaising with Muslim, Arab and Jewish screen industry workers following the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel and the subsequent war against Hamas.
Representatives of all three groups have taken part in a total of 10 independent roundtables attended by senior leaders from broadcasters, production companies, newsroom executives, EDI leads and industry bodies. They also called on the industry to tackle antisemitism, Islamophobia and the impact of events in the Middle East on mental health.
The charity has gathered data via a survey, which showed 94% of respondents – all Jewish, Muslim and Arab heritage members of the U.K. screen industry — reported an impact on their mental health or psychological and emotional wellbeing since Oct. 7. Fewer than 24% said they felt supported by their employers.
The full survey and accompanying analysis will be published later this spring as part of an interim report, in which some of the discussions raised by all parties will also be explored.
“The roundtable sessions have given representatives of the Jewish community in the industry, and representatives of Muslim and Arab industry workers, the chance to bring a vital conversation to industry leaders,” said Marcus Ryder, CEO of the Film and TV Charity.
“They have also created an important opportunity for constructive, cross-industry dialogue and there was general consensus that a collective response to the issues raised was needed. The sessions were the first stage in a critical, complex and much-needed conversation, and we are so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to participate.”