“Why do we need diversity in the film industry?
Why not (just) have German films for Germans, Chinese films for Chinese, (and) French films for the French?
That’s the way it used to be, right? But the world isn’t the way it used to be and the film industry should use that to good advantage. Our world has grown smaller and we are no longer isolated from each other. Words and images reach across the globe in a heartbeat and people fly to the far reaches of the Earth in hours. It is no longer possible to ignore each other:

Everyone is our neighbor now and it is our responsibility to help our neighbors because they are misunderstood and they are suffering.

The film industry is in a unique position to influence the emotions and thoughts of the pubic. By making films that pull their subject matter from the (news) headlines, using international casts, filming in different parts of the world - we can make a difference. With film, we are able to put a human face on the headlines, to show the audience what is going on, using our skill with drama, cinematography, and music to make them feel and experience what our neighbors are going through.

We are also in a position to break down stereotypes and preconceptions of other cultures by using drama, humor, and documentary. The possibilities are endless and not to take advantage of them would be irresponsible and wasteful.

We (filmmakers & actors) can all learn from each other and the more diverse the cast and crew, the more we can acquire and share. 

I have traveled all over the world not only for my filmmaking career but (also) for my charity work. I have talked with children in Vietnam who have lost their entire families to AIDS. I have been to Cambodia to see firsthand the effects of landmines; to Indonesia to witness the devastation of the tsunami. Experiences like these change you as a person and they change you as a filmmaker. The power and influence of the media should be used like a tool to help fix some of the world’s problems. It is our responsibility as filmmakers to take full advantage of the film industry to spread the word(s) of humanity, tolerance, and peace.”

-Inspirational words and feelings similar to my own from Jackie Chan