The BFI has upped Melanie Hoyes to Director of Inclusion.

Hoyes joined the BFI in 2016 to lead the Black Star season. Developing a new data methodology, she was able to map historic ethnic diversity in onscreen representation in UK films. Hoyes then joined the BFI’s Inclusion Team, becoming Head of Inclusion in 2022.

While at the BFI, Hoyes has led efforts to modernize the BFI Diversity Standards, which have been adopted by both BAFTA and AMPAS. The BFI said Hoyes has also developed a series of programs that have opened up opportunities for Black and global majority filmmakers to build their careers in the UK and internationally, championed the organization’s ongoing anti-racism work, and refocused how the inclusion team supports colleagues and activity across the organization.

Alongside her work at the BFI, Hoyes also sits on various Boards and committees (EWA and The Film and Television Charity’s Inclusivity Committee), is the Europe Council Lead for the Geena Davis Institute, and is the co-editor of the Black Film Bulletin section in Sight and Sound magazine. In the new role, she will lead the inclusion team, including Miranda Gower-Qian and Clare Baines as Inclusion Partners. She will also closely work alongside the BFI Chief Executive, the BFI Executive Board, BFI Chair Jay Hunt, and industry partners.

“It is a privilege to continue to work towards equitable opportunities for persistently marginalized talent at the BFI alongside Ben and incredible colleagues,” said Hoyes. “There is plenty to do, but I look forward to focusing on and partnering with an intersection of communities that most need our attention, holding them and my team with care as we navigate this work with authenticity and joy.”

Ben Roberts, BFI Chief Executive added: “Mel has steered our inclusion work with conviction and passion and I am delighted to work closely with her in this newly promoted post. We are committed to creating opportunities and spaces for everyone, to holding accountability in our anti-racism practice and sharing our work openly with industry partners around the world. Mel is rightly recognized as an expert in her field and continues to be an inspiring and generous leader in the sector. I’m grateful to Mel and her team for their commitment to this work.