We are the women of the film & media industry in Georgia. We’ve been building up our individual careers for years, and many of us are active in various industry organizations, uniting to ride the ups and downs that so many of us experience in this business

It is with some considerable frustration that we have watched our state government and our current governor attempt to circumvent our national laws and undermine the ability of Georgia women to make their own reproductive health decisions. Many of us worked hard to elect a government that respects our judgment and competency as women to make the very personal choices that govern our lives. It has been discouraging and heartbreaking to come so close to electing the representation we deserve, only to be dragged back decades.

It is even more devastating to watch our state be painted with one wide brush. We now share the burden of condemnation for actions we fought from the beginning – with our time, energy, talents, and contributions. In spite of being part of the resistance, we’ll suffer the actions of our elected officials twice over. First, in that our candidates did not win a clear majority during an election with numerous questionable practices. Second, in the multiple ways we may suffer from loss of income and resources in our industry due to boycotts.

Many of us made career choices that allowed us to stay here where we had built a community, a family, a home. We are women of all faiths and colors, from all kinds of backgrounds. We are the backbone of this industry and we do not take what is happening here, or around the country, or around the world, lightly. It would be a great comfort to move to another place where the fights felt fair and the battles were easier to win. But that would be giving up and we are not quitters.

To those who choose not to come to Georgia because of the actions of our government, we understand your reasoning. But please know this: Georgia’s hardworking women and many men in this industry will continue to be the resistance from the inside. With our voices, our art, and our daily boots on the ground, we’ll keep working for the leadership we deserve. Your condemnation is understandable, but what we really need most is allies. Change is coming. Your support and encouragement is appreciated, however you can give it.

Yours from the front,