Gemma Chan discusses diversity in the film industry

Gemma Chan has discussed racial diversity in the film industry during a stunning shoot for September's edition of Vogue.

The actress, 38, - who is taking on a lead role as Sersi in Eternals, this autumn's Marvel blockbuster, - said that it's only a 'recent thing' that Asian females have been able to be the protagonists of stories.

She looked stunning in the accompanying shoot as she posed in a floor-length gold sequined gown on a boat on the river Thames. 

In a second look she dressed equally as glamorously in a silver dress with statement leather straps while fixing the camera with a stare.

Speaking about the film industry she said progress was being made but only at a slow pace.

She told Vogue: 'It's only a fairly recent thing that Asian females have been able to be the protagonists of stories.

'Individual successes are one thing. But structurally, when you look at who can actually get projects green-lit in the UK, who are in those positions of power, those gatekeeping positions – there aren't that many Asians. There aren't many people of colour in those positions.'

On standing side by side with others on social causes she went on to explain: 'If only black people care about Black Lives Matter then nothing's gonna change. 

'And if only Asians are talking about Stop Asian Hate, nothing is going to change. And it's only when we stick up for one another, and we stand side by side, that things will shift.'

Although she still feels like an 'accidental activist', speaking up was one of the few things she felt she had to do.