A message from FilmQuest’s Founder & Director, Jonathan Martin:
“FilmQuest will not tolerate intolerance.
We are a global community, made up of individuals who represent a rich history of diversity found throughout the world. It is a festival made up of people who embody their race, their creeds, their orientations, and their cultures. It is our mission and goal to ensure that everyone at FilmQuest, whether they are a filmmaker, screenwriter, crew member, guest, or an outside observer, are treated with dignity and respect.
If for whatever reason you hear of something or someone that, either through their actions or speech, are bigoted, objectionable, sexist, racist, ignorant, etc., we ask that you please make it known immediately to whomever you can at FilmQuest. This also includes any incident of abuse or sexual harassment. We will do everything we can within our power to correct the action, and if the offending party refuses to comply with our request or inquiries, we will ask them to no longer participate in the festival.
We also ask that if you are a guest of the festival and you see or hear another guest being treated unfairly or with ill intent, that you stand up for that individual, their voice, and their rights. Yes, these sort of confrontations can be uncomfortable, but it is vital that we treat each other with a respect and dignity that we all deserve.
Sometimes it is necessary to ensure that no story or experience becomes exaggerated or taken out of context. That sometimes a small investigation needs to take place in order to discover the facts of a particular situation in order for the correct course of action to be taken. Sometimes it is learned that some people deserve a second chance, and sometimes it is learned they don’t at all.
It is important to remember that no one is perfect. We’re all on a personal journey that has given each of us our unique world views and our creative voices, which is proudly put on display with each festival. Some of these views and opinions we share, others we differ on. What helps us learn and grow from each other is to realize that it’s okay to have differing opinions, but that these must be shared with love and respect with each party. As well, we must realize that all of us are still growing and that in the end, compassion is a virtue, and love can and will conquer all.
Without excuse, also take note that the individuals who run FilmQuest are mainly volunteers, many of whom work in the film industry in some capacity. We are not law enforcement officers, counselors, experts of the law, psychologists, mediators, etc. We are individuals who are also trying to learn and do the right thing, and make your festival experience the best it can be.
FilmQuest must remain a safe place, with a large, diverse, ever-growing family. It is you who, as a unique individual, makes us all the richer, and it is you that has the power to enrich the lives of all those you are surrounded by at the festival.
Our host city of Provo, Utah has a slogan to all who visit and live here. It is “Welcome Home.” This is not an exclusive statement, nor should it be treated with exclusivity. It means that all are welcome, no matter how your journey has led you here and what it has made you today. Thus, it is vital that when we say “Welcome Home,” we mean it. At FilmQuest, we are not exclusive. We are inclusive. At FilmQuest, you are Home.
May we all look towards a bright future in unity, love, and appreciation for one another, our works, and the great family FilmQuest is and will continue to be.
We Are FilmQuest.”
Jonathan Martin
Founder & Director
FilmQuest
September 23, 2018