A Thunderstorm, Taraji, and Truth: Women in Motion 2025 Captivates Cannes
- PARLIAMENT NEWS
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
By Rebeca Riofrio
Despite an electrifying thunderstorm that rolled across Goéland Beach—delaying proceedings at the iconic Plage des Palmes—the 2025 edition of Kering’s Women in Motion discussion delivered nothing short of brilliance conversations. This year’s much-anticipated panel, held in partnership with the Cannes Film Festival and expertly organised by renowned publicist Laurent Boyé, offered a profound and inspiring conversation on representation, resilience, and creative autonomy within the film industry.
Actress, producer, and mental health advocate Taraji P. Henson took centre stage alongside Dr. Stacy L. Smith, founder of the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at USC. Moderated by Angelique Jackson, senior entertainment writer at Variety, the conversation marked the 10th anniversary of Kering’s Women in Motion—a milestone initiative dedicated to elevating women’s voices across the cinematic landscape.
A Decade of Impact
To commemorate a decade of Women in Motion, Kering unveiled the results of an expansive longitudinal study led by Dr. Smith, charting the evolution of gender equality in film since 2015. While celebrating that 2024 saw a historic milestone—54% of top films featuring female leads—Smith was quick to temper the figures with nuance. “Only 13 of those films were led by women of colour,” she noted, “and just one by a woman of colour aged over 45.”
It was a sobering reminder that, although progress has been made, structural inequities persist—especially behind the camera. “Only 4% of directors globally are women of colour,” Smith reported, stressing the urgent need for systemic access to opportunity.
Taraji P. Henson: A Story of Power and Purpose
Taraji P. Henson—whose unforgettable performances in Empire, Hidden Figures, and The Color Purple have redefined mainstream representation—spoke candidly about her personal and professional evolution. Now a director, producer, entrepreneur, and founder of the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, she reflected on her decision to step away from Hollywood briefly to recalibrate.
“I went to Bali for a month to find myself again,” she said. “I realised I was becoming bitter, and that’s not who I am.” The break reignited her sense of purpose. “I didn’t come into this business for trophies—I came to change lives. The arts saved me, and I wanted to give that power back.”
Her journey also includes remarkable success in business. Henson now owns TPH by Taraji, her hair and body care line, and has partnered with Terlato Wines to launch her own Moscato. “I bought my company back,” she said with pride, echoing the fiery confidence of her famed character Cookie Lyon.
Breaking Myths and Building Audiences
In one of the most powerful moments of the session, Henson recalled how Empire shattered industry myths about the marketability of Black-led content overseas. During a press tour in Paris, a surprise appearance led to a standing ovation from 1,500 fans. “They weren’t calling me Cookie—they knew my name,” she said, visibly emotional. “That busted the biggest lie of my career—that Black doesn’t translate.”
Smith corroborated Henson’s experience with data. “Films led by people of colour, especially women of colour, outperform others globally. It’s not just morally right—it’s commercially sound.”
She praised industry figures like Bella Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer, for recognising this truth and commissioning inclusive content. “What Bella understands is that audiences want authenticity. They want to see themselves on screen.”
Resilience and Representation
Henson also reflected on her recent commencement address at Spelman College, where she encouraged young women to find strength in joy. “Our resistance is our joy,” she affirmed. “Yes, we face trauma—but the sun always rises. That joy is how we survive.”
Her foundation, named after her late father, underscores her commitment to mental health—particularly in marginalised communities. “I couldn’t find culturally competent therapists for me or my son,” she said. “So I created the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation. We’re saving lives. Suicide is rising among children aged 5 to 11. I can’t sit idly by.”
Smith praised Henson for using her platform to destigmatise mental health and bring these conversations to screen. “Less than 3% of characters in film portray mental health conditions. What Taraji is doing, both in content and real life, is what this industry so desperately needs.”
Power Through Unity
Henson also emphasised her commitment to collaborative storytelling. Reflecting on Hidden Figures, she explained, “There was no Katherine Johnson without the other two women. I made sure the press run was about all of us, not just me.”
Her latest Netflix project, Straw, continues that tradition, starring Henson alongside Teyana Taylor and Sherri Shepherd. “We’re more powerful together,” she said. “My character, Janiyah, is seen and saved by two other women. That’s the message I love.”
Looking Ahead
As she prepares for Broadway—on her own terms—Henson aims to tell her story in a one-woman show. “You see the legend now,” she said, “but I want to show you how I got here. The world sees the glamour, but they don’t see the grind.”
The thunder may have delayed the panel, but once the clouds parted, what emerged was nothing short of electric. In celebrating the trailblazers of today, Women in Motion illuminated a future where inclusion is not just a slogan—but a force that shapes stories, industries, and generations.
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