Chainmail
Lydia Birnbaum
For thousands of years, humans have been creating artistic works that reveal glimpses into society at the time the works were made. Film’s global popularity and its massive profits can overshadow film’s role as a progress marker for society. As with other art forms, the decision of who is “worthy” of depiction in film is a reflection of existing prejudice and emphasizes the need for social change. Representation of various identities is vital in the American film world as it can either alienate or unify our diverse population. Over time, the industry has made progress toward varied and realistic representations of our nation’s people, but significant work remains to be done. As the country descends into a worrying state of division, the film industry has the ability to help bridge the gap.
Chainmail is a brand that creates approachable and meaningful communal spaces to reflect and contribute to discussions about representation and identity in film. As such, Chainmail takes form in movie screenings, a mobile app, a podcast, merchandise, film conventions, and more. The brand uses a casual tone to target people who love film and smaller filmmakers. Providing both digital and physical spaces increases community accessibility and offers engagement options for users at any income level or location. Like our communities, each link in chainmail has limited power alone, but chained together, they form a strong and resilient armor. Though inadequate representation in film continues to be an issue, Chainmail provides opportunities to move in the right direction.