The UK Film and TV Charity has been in contact with Muslim, Arab and Jewish film industry workers in the wake of the October 7 attacks in Israel and the subsequent war against Hamas.
Representatives of the three groups participated in a total of 10 independent roundtables attended by senior leaders from broadcasters, production companies, newsroom CEOs, EDI leadership and industry bodies. They also called on the industry to address anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and the mental health impact of events in the Middle East.
The charity collected data through a survey which showed that 94% of participants – all members of Jewish, Muslim and Arab heritage in the UK screen industry – reported an impact on their mental health or psycho-emotional health since 7 October. % 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.
Marcus Ryder, chief executive of the Film and TV Charitable Foundation, said: “The roundtable sessions gave representatives of the industry’s Jewish community, and representatives of Muslim and Arab industry workers, the opportunity to have a lively conversation with industry leaders.”
“They also created an important opportunity for constructive dialogue between different industries, and there was a general consensus that a collective response was needed to the issues raised. The sessions were the first stage in a critical, complex and much-needed conversation, and we are very grateful to everyone who took the time to participate.”