iN VIDEO: Vernon producer’s documentary on crosswords airs on CBC

Can the humble crossword play a part in the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion?

In a question explored in a new CBC documentary produced by a Vernon production company.

Vernon resident Laurie Case has produced the upcoming documentary Across and Down which will be aired on CBC tomorrow night, Oct. 28.

The documentary studies the subtle, and sometimes blatant, lack of representation and inclusion found in crossword puzzles.

"It's really about looking at the beloved world, the crossword… it's a look inside that world… and what it can do to help in the fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion," Case told iNFOnews.ca. "It shines a light on things that none of us have ever really thought of, this idea, that a puzzle might actually create change."

Case's company Lake Tide Media has produced the documentary while the idea is the brainchild of its director Rachel Bower.

The film was made at a time when the crossword, and the crossword paper of record The New York Times, were starting to talk about inclusion.

Case said the New York Times started making big changes in its crosswords along with an open letter from one of its main creators asking for change spurred on the conversation.

Case has worked in television for three decades and produced the popular show Border Security while working in Vancouver before returning to the Okanagan in 2020.

Across and Down will be aired on CBC tomorrow night, Oct. 28, as part of CBC’s The Passionate Eye. It can also be streamed on CBC Gem.

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