White Ribbon “Uncomposed”
What does it mean to be a man in this world?
Put differently, how do society’s expectations of men spark a chain of consequences that leads to gender-based violence? Challenging those societal norms is the point of this year’s White Ribbon campaign, resulting in a film created in partnership with the Canadian Opera Company.
The video, titled Uncomposed, features music that looks to help men, who are so often given the message that showing emotion is not part of an acceptable version of masculinity, express themselves. It also commemorates the 30th anniversary of the White Ribbon campaign.
Along with the video, this year’s campaign includes a documentary and a survey about perceptions of masculinity.
“Our goal is to ignite societal change that promotes emotional literacy and healthy masculinities,” said Humberto Carolo, Executive Director, White Ribbon in a release. “For too long, society has taught men to be ‘strong’ by repressing their emotions. It has hero-ized this version of masculinity. Uncomposed will start a conversation and encourage men and boys to acknowledge and express a range of complex emotions. We can help end gender-based violence by normalizing and promoting emotional literacy and healthy masculinities among men and boys, and emphasize that strength is the ability to show vulnerability.”
Producer: Michelle Pilling
Assistant Producer: Daniel Rankin
Cinematographer: James Arthurs
1st AC: Alex Chung
2nd AC: Sylvain Chaussée
Editor: Tim Pienta
Score: Jared Kuemper, Berkeley Music
Music Director: Johannes Debus, Canadian Opera Company
Real People Casting: Andrew Hayes + Tristan Abraham, Powerhouse Casting
Production House: Soft Citizen
Executive Producer: Link York
Executive Producer: Jaclyn Morga
Creative Agency: Bensimon Byrne / OneMethod / Narrative
Partner/ Chief Creative Officer: Joseph Bonnici
Executive Creative Director: Debbie Chan
Executive Creative Director: David Mueller
Art Director: Ana Segurajauregui
Art Director: Angelica Carreno
Writer: Sophia Wilby
Business Lead: Marli Bennett
Project Manager: Efi Eman
Agency Producer: Michelle Pilling
Production Manager: Dan Rankin
Media Agency: Bensimon Byrne
Social Media Director: Kristina Kosa
Social Media Supervisor: Rebecca Milner
Social Media Specialist: Emily Wanamaker