As we enter November, a quick scan of the long list of items on the cultural calendar invites us to experience a range of observances that celebrate cultural diversity in film and media. From Native American Heritage Month and Día de los Muertos to Diwali and Transgender Awareness Week, November offers ample opportunities to reflect on what it means to honor diverse identities, histories, and values. This month underscores the value of inclusive storytelling in film and TV and highlights the importance of going beyond the familiar. At CINTIMA, where our mission is to train intimacy coordinators from marginalized identities, we feel deeply connected to these themes of respect, empathy, and inclusion.
In the field of intimacy coordination, the language we use matters. Words like “diversity” are essential, but the richness of November’s cultural observances reminds us to go further, embracing a broader vocabulary that reflects the depth each identity brings to the screen. Just as November’s cultural calendar features voices from many backgrounds, terms like plurality, intersectionality, and eclecticism help capture the unique perspectives our trainees bring to intimate scenes. This vocabulary shift supports our mission of training coordinators who honor and uplift every voice, ensuring authenticity and representation in film and media.
For CINTIMA, inclusivity is not simply a principle but an active practice. It reflects our dedication to creating safe, respectful environments for actors where each person feels seen and valued. In our intimacy coordination training, we emphasize plurality—the coexistence of diverse identities that strengthens the storytelling process. Each trainee brings a unique set of experiences, embodying variegation and heterogeneity. Like each November observance, every trainee contributes distinct insights, adding richness and authenticity to every project.
In training intimacy coordinators for film and TV, we champion a sense of multiplicity and eclecticism—drawing on various disciplines like movement, psychology, and film theory. This dynamic approach equips our coordinators to handle delicate themes with respect and creativity, fostering inclusive, authentic storytelling that resonates with audiences. The term spectrum allows us to envision this diversity as a continuous range, embracing the depth of each person’s background.
Central to our mission is intersectionality, where overlapping identities shape each trainee’s experience and perspective. We emphasize inclusiveness, ensuring our training is accessible and affirming, meeting the specific needs of our trainees from marginalized communities. Representation is essential, as the coordinators we train advocate for inclusion and authenticity in media, embodying the wide range of identities that need to be reflected in storytelling.
Our work celebrates polyphony, where each voice contributes to a harmonious whole. Just as in a tapestry or mosaic, the variety of stories we tell creates something beautiful and impactful. CINTIMA’s intimacy coordination training is about preparing coordinators to see each scene as part of a larger narrative, one that respects and uplifts diverse perspectives. This panoramic view is our guiding principle, ensuring that every identity, every experience, and every voice is honored and valued.
By expanding our vocabulary of inclusion, we honor the cultural depth November brings. Training intimacy coordinators is about more than skills—it’s a commitment to inclusive representation and authenticity that enriches every production. CINTIMA’s role in this landscape is to foster an industry where every story, identity, and experience is respected, creating a safe and compassionate space for actors, filmmakers, and audiences alike. This is the language of true inclusion, and it’s one we strive to bring to life in every project, every scene, and every story.
