Film in the Community : Subjects of Desire

Rocky Mountain Women’s Film presents a virtual Film in the Community screening of SUBJECTS OF DESIRE.  This film is a timely feature documentary that examines the cultural shift in North American beauty standards towards embracing (or as some feel – appropriating) Black aesthetics and features. From society’s new fixation on the ‘booty’, fuller lips, the dramatic rise of spray-tanned skin, ethnic hairstyles, and athletic bodies some people might argue that Black women are having a beauty moment. However, others however argue that traditionally Black features and attributes are in fact seen as more desirable when they are on White women rather than on Black Women. Whatever you believe, SUBJECTS OF DESIRE will explore the manifestations of this shift by examining the historical and popular cultural expression of Black and White beauty. Specifically, the film takes a look at how this is embodied with real people in their daily lives.

Through Film in the Community, films are screened throughout the year – free of charge – at diverse venues throughout Colorado Springs in collaboration with community partners and is presented with the generous support of the Bee Vradenburg Foundation.

SUBJECTS OF DESIRE will be screened virtually via Eventive from noon Friday, March 25 to Sunday, March 27 at midnight. 

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SUBJECTS OF DESIRE | Directed by Jennifer Holness

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. (103 Mins)