Hollywood’s Fear Crisis: Telling Underrepresented Stories in Backlash Culture

SXSW
Written By MPAC

in an era dominated by consolidation, shrinking writers' rooms, and intense cultural pushback, how do storytellers preserve human authenticity?

Watch this compelling panel live from SXSW 2026 - produced by the MPAC Hollywood Bureau with support from the Doris Duke Foundation - exploring the systemic hurdles facing marginalized communities in media and entertainment.

Top industry advocacy executives and creative consultants break down why true equity in content creation is a commercial imperative, not a charity project.

Panelists & Speakers:

  • Zaki Barzinji (Moderator): Director of the Building Bridges Program, Doris Duke Foundation

  • Dennis St. Rose: Narrative Change Lead, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) Community Impact

  • Alex Schmider: Senior Director of Entertainment, GLAAD

  • Vicki Shabo: Senior Fellow & "Rescripting Gender" Project Director, New America

MPAC

We improve public policies and perceptions impacting the American Muslim community by engaging with government, Hollywood, news media, and communities.

https://mpac.org
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