Lights, Camera, Inclusion S3E4: Judith Beauregard, Florence Roche and Marya Zarif
The trio discusses the responsibility of creating inclusive content for children, the transformative power of youth media, and creative means to tackle sensitive topics.
In this fourth episode, Now & Next’s Lead Editor Gaëlle Essoo welcomes Judith Beauregard and Florence Roche, co-founders and co-directors of Tobo Studio, as well as Marya Zarif, author and creator of the animated series Dounia. Together, they explore the challenges and responsibilities of creating children’s content that reflects the world in all its diversity.
In the first part of the interview, Beauregard and Roche discuss the need for an intentional approach when it comes to authentic representation. At Tobo, diversity is not just a theme—it permeates every step of the creative process and reflects the common values of its co-directors. The pair also discusses their management style, which is both flexible and feminist, and aims to accommodate and make things easier for their employees who are also parents.
In the second part of the interview, Marya Zarif joins the conversation to talk about Dounia, a touching series that follows the story of a very young Syrian refugee, who lands in Canada after a perilous trip. She shares how the project was born from her desire to educate young audiences about complex realities while conveying a message of hope and resilience. “It’s important to expose young audiences to these realities. It’s our job to shed light on topics that are often pushed aside,” she says.
Together, the guests highlight the transformative power of children’s media. Whether ensuring that every child can see themselves reflected on screen or offering stories filled with hope and understanding, they demonstrate that inclusion and creativity go hand in hand to inspire and educate younger generations.
