Glasgow Man Advocates for Film Industry to Challenge Stereotypes of Facial Difference Villains
A young man from Glasgow is urging the film industry to break away from the portrayal of characters with facial differences as villains. Dylan Lombard, who has been diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder called MDP Syndrome, wants to see a more positive representation of individuals like himself on the big screen, as opposed to being constantly typecast as antagonists in horror and action films.
Lombard, 20, is one of only 16 people worldwide with MDP Syndrome, a condition that inhibits the storage of fatty tissues beneath the skin. He supports the I Am Not Your Villain campaign, initiated by Changing Faces, a charity that advocates for individuals with visible differences. The campaign calls on the film industry to avoid using scars, burns, marks, and other facial differences as shorthand for villainous attributes.
Expressing his concerns, Lombard highlighted the importance of educating people about facial differences and promoting positive representations of individuals like himself. He believes that by showcasing heroes with facial differences in movies, society’s perception can be changed for the better. He also wants to challenge the quick and often judgmental assumptions people make based on appearances.
As a photography student, Lombard utilizes social media to create awareness about MDP Syndrome and the issues faced by those with facial differences. He noted that negative portrayals of characters with facial differences in films can significantly impact how people view them in real life. Lombard cited the movie Wonder as an excellent example of a positive depiction of facial differences.
Recognizing the need for change, the British Film Institute (BFI) has pledged its support for the I Am Not Your Villain campaign. The organization has committed to refraining from financing films that perpetuate negative stereotypes through scars or facial differences.
Heather Blake, CEO of Changing Faces, emphasized the detrimental effect of reinforcing harmful stereotypes through the film industry, especially during Halloween, which can be an anxious time for individuals with visible differences. She called on streaming platforms to raise awareness and take steps to acknowledge and address the damaging impact of such stereotypes.
Individuals affected by negative stereotypes during Halloween were encouraged to reach out to Changing Faces for support. Blake stressed the importance of creating a more inclusive and empathetic society by challenging these outdated and harmful portrayals.
By advocating for change within the film industry, Dylan Lombard and Changing Faces hope to break down barriers and promote understanding and acceptance of individuals with facial differences. They envision a future where cinema showcases diverse representation and celebrates the heroes among us, regardless of physical appearance.
