'Subjects of Desire' Film Screening

Subjects of Desire explores the cultural shift in North American beauty standards towards embracing Black female aesthetics and features while exposing the deliberate and often dangerous portrayals of Black women in the media.

From society’s new fixation on the ‘booty’, fuller lips, the dramatic rise of spray tanned skin, ethnic hairstyles, and athletic bodies, some argue that Black women are having a beauty moment. But others, primarily Black women, argue that traditional Black features and attributes are seen as more desirable when they are on White women.

Told from the POV of women who aren’t afraid to challenge conventional beauty standards, the film is partially set at the 50th Anniversary of the Miss Black America Pageant, a beauty pageant that was created as a political protest.

Subjects of Desire is a culturally significant, provocative film that deconstructs what we understand about race and the power behind beauty.

BSA President Etienne Oshinowo will set the scene with an introduction and opening remarks, followed by a post screening discussion led by BSA executive members Vanessa Mutai and Daniela Atare.  During the discussion, audience members can ask questions and hear from Vanessa and Daniela about how they navigate their own perspectives on Black beauty and the complexities of understanding beauty from a non-White standard.

Join us for the screening and enjoy some light snacks and community gathering. Registration is now open, so save your seats!