Sudbury filmmaker says she tries to cast roles as diversely as possible

Morning North7:10Lack of diversity in movie and TV roles

Is diversity represented when it comes to Canadian film and TV? Heather Dahlstrom, a movie producer and film outreach officer at Music and Film in Motion in Sudbury, shared her thoughts on the matter.

The lack of diversity in the entertainment industry is generating a lot of conversation lately.

For the second year in a row, the Academy Awards haven't nominated any actors of colour.

But for some Sudbury film and TV makers, it's an issue they're trying to change here in Canada.

• Why experts say Oscars' lack of diversity contributes to racial bias among public

Sudbury-based filmmaker Heather Dahlstrom, who recently co-produced the film Empire of Dirt, said making the movie had its challenges.

The story surrounds the lives of three generations of First Nations women.

"We had some issues with some people suggesting that we add more Native aspects to the movie that actually turned out to be quite offensive to First Nations people," she said.

Casting director Melissa Smith said she tries to be inclusive when she's looking for talent.

She runs her own casting company out of Toronto and Sudbury.

"When we're depicting society, when we're trying to be as realistic as possible you have to include all races and ethnicities. And I think you're looking for the best person for the role," she said.

For Dahlstrom, there are many talented actors right here in northern Ontario.

She's worked behind the scenes on 22 feature films and, from her experience, she said it's tough seeing talented people lose roles based on their ethnicity.

"I've seen decisions being made based on people's race. I've seen people be cast solely for what they look like," Dahlstrom said.

"If we had a role for a white man, why can't it just be a black woman?"

Dahlstrom noted the way to change the film industry's lack of diversity is admitting there's a problem.