Working Group on Inclusion Network
Equality as the norm
Inclusion is a human right. And for some, it can mean innovation.
FAQs on Joining the Working Group
What’s happening here?
The Inclusion Network has been around since 2021. Here, we empower filmmakers with disabilities and/or chronic conditions within PQF, create new connections, and exchange ideas on topics that interest us. We aim to foster more solidarity among ourselves. Of course, we also attend other PQF meetings.
What are your current topics?
Recently, in our regular Zoom meetings, we have discussed our respective film projects a lot.
But our actions have also often been a topic of conversation.
We also talked about the last ProQuote Film Brunch and gathered ideas on how the Inclusion Network can increase visibility for disabled and chronically ill filmmakers. From a manifesto to a photo series and more surveys, everything was on the table.
What has the Inclusion Network working group done so far?
The Panel
Together with Casting Network and with support from Crew United, we held a panel on the ableist insurance practices in the German film industry.
The Survey
This was followed by a survey of 196 filmmakers in collaboration with students from FU Berlin – with alarming results.
Consulting
We have provided consulting to female directors and film funders for their films and/or emerging talent programs.
Networking with Allies
We also advanced networking with other inclusive organizations and held several consulting sessions with individual interested filmmakers and film funding bodies. We were also able to gain some allies.
Why on Zoom?
For many of us, online participation is more accessible. Additionally, the members of the Inclusion Network working group are spread across various cities in Germany, so we can still meet up virtually.
Are the meetings accessible?
Completely accessible events are rare. What means barrier removal for some can be a barrier for others. However, if you need sign language interpretation (DGS) at our meetings, just let us know quickly. We plan breaks during the meetings and are always working to ensure that the meetings remain easy to understand. Feel free to reach out if you need additional assistance.
Who do I write to?
Currently, the network is led by Kristin Suckow, Yasmin Saleh, and Jessi* Langmark.
Would you like to join the working group?
If you would like to get a taste or participate, or if you need any specific accessibility accommodations, feel free to contact us at inklusion@proquote-film.de.
A few facts on the topic of inclusion for all.
Ableism – What is it?
Ableism comes from the English word “able” and refers to the structural and internalized discrimination against people with disabilities, impairments, and chronic (physical as well as mental) illnesses. People are judged based on their abilities (ability).
Forms of discrimination:
The common forms of ableism are similar to other forms of discrimination, such as sexism or racism, and include:
- Infantilization
- General devaluation and stigmatization
- Pity and paternalism
- Ignoring and not taking seriously
- Lack of accessibility (e.g., in buildings or institutions, despite the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calling for the opposite)
- Violence up to and including killing (Example: In April 2021, four people were killed in a facility in Potsdam.)
Ableism can be found in all areas of life, such as:
- In the private sphere (family, friends, recreational activities)
- In institutions (schools, universities, the job market, housing search)
- In the film and media industry
Especially in film, targeted content and representation could provide inclusive impulses and foster understanding – yet this opportunity is often missed.
Das Leitungsteam stellt sich vor.
Working Group on Inclusion Network
Jessika-Katharina Möller-Langmaack
I am a versatile artist working as an actress, voice artist, and voice-over artist. Born in 1982 in Preetz, I grew up in Schleswig-Holstein and developed an early interest in advocacy work. I am known for my work in theater and film and have participated in various projects, including “Haus Kummerveldt” and “When I Bleed.” I am also recognized for my technical skills and have collaborated with Schauspiel Hannover as part of the CONNECT program.
Working Group on Inclusion Network
Yasmin Saleh
I am Yasmin Saleh, and as a small-statured actress, the industry puts many obstacles in my way. After my work at the Thalia Theater and Volksbühne, I now work as a production assistant due to these almost insurmountable barriers. At Pro Quote, I want to work on removing these obstacles. Pro Quote stands not only for gender equality but also for a 30% diversity quota. That’s why I’ve been working with Kristin and Jessi* in the Inclusion Network for some time now.
Working Group on Inclusion Network
Kristin Suckow
I am a film and theater actress. I studied at the Film University Babelsberg and was awarded the “Theaterpreis Hamburg – Rolf Mares” in 2016 for my outstanding performance as an actress. In the ARD two-part series “Ottilie von Faber-Castell – A Brave Woman” (Germany 2019), I play the lead role. I also made an impression in a dual lead role in this year’s “Tatort” from Dresden, “Totes Herz,” and last year, the series “Tod den Lebenden” was released, where I played one of the four main roles alongside Kristin Suckow. Since 2023, I have been part of the leadership team of the Inclusion Network. Together with two researchers, I helped create the survey on film insurance.
Working Group on Inclusion Network
Johanna Polley
I founded the network in 2021 and led it until 2023. I work as an actress (“Es war einmal I*land,” “Es gilt das gesprochene Wort,” “Nebenan,” “Tatort,” “Lindenberg – mach Dein Ding!,” “Sam – ein Sachse,” “Die geschützten Männer”). Since 2019, I have been committed to ProQuote Film, advocating for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in film, for example, in the network for inclusion that I founded. From 2022 to 2024, I was the deputy chairperson of the board at ProQuote Film. I am also active with Vielfalt im Film e.V. I live in Berlin.