Four HFPA members – Lena Basse, Yukiko Nakajima, Janet Nepales and Ruben Nepales – answered that question and discussed related matters, including recent reforms to the Association, in a panel discussion presented by the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF) in conjunction with its November festival program.

Rick Ambros, a media and entertainment consultant and producer, moderated the forum, part of AWFF’s series of panel discussions,  held in person at the Landmark Theatres in Los Angeles.

Ambros said of the panel discussion series, “It’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to hear a wide range of voices about subjects that are top of mind for the Asian and global film communities.”

During the discussion, the HFPA members answered questions from Ambros and members of the audience on various topics related to the Association, including plans for the Association’s future and the future of the Golden Globes.

Nakajima, a Board Member from Japan, pointed to the appointment of Neil Phillips as the Association’s first Chief Diversity Officer, in the Association’s ongoing bid to boost diversity, equity and inclusion.

“He’s been doing a lot of things to unite the different races,” Nakajima said of Phillips, an educator, entrepreneur, and award-winning speaker on race in America, who co-founded the public charter school for boys, the Visible Men Academy (VMA). “Neil has been working for underrepresented people, including the students. He’s been working really vigorously on uniting people of different races, diverse cultures.”

The discussion also touched on the new members admitted to the Association this year, the largest and most diverse group yet, which has increased the membership count to 103.

“Our membership has grown by 20 percent, with 21 new members,” said Janet Nepales, a member from the Philippines. “Forty-five percent identify as women, 30 percent identify as Black, 25 percent as Asian, 29 percent as Latinx, and 20 percent as Middle Eastern and North African. So, it’s really a diverse group.”

Nepales explained, “We changed our credentials policy to be able to invite more members. We expanded our affiliated organizations to go beyond the Motion Picture Association, and we reached out to the Asian-American Journalists Association, National Association of Black Journalists, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, and National Press Club.

“And we have opened up the geographic residence requirement to include not only Southern California but the whole USA. We also expanded platforms to also consider journalists, not only in print, but also in radio, broadcast, photojournalism, and online. We plan to recruit more new members in 2022 and beyond.”

Nakajima also cited the diverse composition of the recently elected Board, which consists of 12 members of the Association and three non-members from outside. “Out of the12 board members from the Association, two-thirds are women and one-third are people of color. We have only three men on the Board. So, it’s a lot of women’s power there.”

Ruben Nepales, another member from the Philippines, added, “And we are very proud to announce that, still in line with our effort to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion, we just signed a collaborative agreement with NAACP for a five-year partnership.

“As a result of that agreement, we have three initiatives – ensuring visibility of projects from diverse backgrounds, increasing diverse representation in the industry, and building pathways for young artists and journalists of color. It’s a historic agreement between NAACP and HFPA to work together. We will grant funds to these projects.”

When asked what the plans are for the Golden Globes on January 9, 2022, Nakajima answered, “On the Board level, we are still in the middle of talking about how we can do it most effectively. There will be an announcement soon.”

Ruben Nepales announced a major change in the structure of Globes voting this year: “We want to be as inclusive as possible. So, this year, we’re doing away with the submission requirements. All TV shows and films released in 2021 are eligible. They no longer have to be submitted. But film studios and TV production companies can still submit talents into specific categories. That’s an option.”

Nepales also mentioned another important reform. “It’s good news to the Asian filmmaking community, and all filmmakers around the world, that this year, non-English language films are eligible to be nominated for the Best Picture honors – Drama, Comedy or Musical, as well as Best Animated Movie.”

Lena Basse, who represents Belarus, Lithuania, and Ukraine in the HFPA, explained that despite the pandemic, the members have continued to watch films and TV shows for Golden Globe consideration all year-round.

“We are watching movies and TV shows whenever, wherever we are,” she said. “It was difficult for everyone because of the pandemic that shut down so many film festivals, especially last year. But aside from the film festivals, which screen films for our award consideration, we also go to the cinemas on our own and avail ourselves of streaming services. And lately, we started to have more in-person screenings in Los Angeles.”

Janet Nepales lauded the growing presence of Asian talents on the global entertainment stage, in projects ranging from Parasite, Minari, Shang-Chi and the Legend of Ten Rings to Squid Game. “I think we’ve turned a tide, and more filmmakers from Asia are very active now and getting opportunities to tell their stories. And we need to tell our stories, because who’s going to tell our stories but us?

“We need more writers to write Asian stories and more people at the top to green-light these stories. And we should also start in the schools, with the children who want to be future filmmakers. They should be able to pursue their dreams and create more Asian films.”

Basse agreed, “That is why I am very proud and honored to be the head of the jury that will choose the young short filmmaker who will get the award from HFPA.” In this year’s AWFF, Basse leads the jury that will award a $5,000 scholarship to a new short filmmaker.

As the panel discussion ended, Ruben Nepales said, “The licensing fees from the Golden Globe Awards have enabled the association to donate to entertainment-related charities and organizations. One of them is the Asian World Film Festival, which we have been supporting since its inception.

“The scholarship prize that has been given annually by the HFPA for three years now is part of our efforts to encourage the Asian filmmaking community. We commend the Asian World Film Festival for being a showcase of the Asian filmmaking community. Thank you for having us here.”