Project Details
The Mexico Manifesto was a positioning statement that called upon governments and lawmakers to adopt legislation in favour of audiovisual creators’ rights. It was issued at the end of a two day congress in Mexico City that brought together screenwriters and directors from across the world.
The manifesto highlighted the precise challenge that faces audiovisual creators as a result of insufficient legal protection. It gather supporting data and crafted a narrative to describe the economic and cultural contributions that were at risk. It concluded with a clear call to action that defined exactly the outcome of the congress.
About the Client
Writers & Directors Worldwide is led by creators from dramatic, literary and audiovisual societies around the world. It acts directly to support creators in all regions and in addition, acts as an advisory body to the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers (CISAC). It is also an official observer to the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights.
As a result, the organisation brings specific experience, expertise and the vital “voice of the creator” to the debate on authors’ rights via working groups, executive committee meetings and direct interaction with lawmakers.
Results/Update
This manifesto was instrumental in raising awareness of audiovisual creators fight for fair treatment. It focused attention specifically on the Latin America region and formed part of a larger audiovisual campaign. This subsequently helped to support the successful revision of national authors’ rights legislation by the presidents of Chile and Colombia in October 2016 and May 2017 respectively. Both countries now have an unwaivable right to remuneration added to their statutes.