Bill Duke-Produced Documentary Explores Advantages and Disadvantages
of Lighter-Skinned Women Around the World
Los Angeles – OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network will air the world premiere of “Light Girls” on Monday, January 19 at 9 p.m. – 11 p.m. ET/PT.
The critically acclaimed documentary “Dark Girls” aired on the network last year, and award-winning filmmaker Bill Duke continues the conversation on colorism with “Light Girls,” sharing an in-depth study of the advantages and disadvantages of being a lighter-skinned woman as seen through the eyes of notable entertainers, educators and everyday people.
The film highlights and questions the notion that “light skin makes for an easier life” and provides a global analysis of skin color and its relationship with societal values. It boldly dives into topics such as bullying, skin bleaching and the trending social media separation, #teamlightskin versus #teamdarkskin.
The documentary features interviews with Russell Simmons, Soledad O’Brien, Diahann Carroll, India Arie, Iyanla Vanzant, Michaela Angela Davis, Essence Atkins, Kym Whitley, Raven Salli Richardson-Whitfield and more.
To view clips (with embed code), click on links below:
The Colorism Conversation Continues in “Light Girls”
Iyanla Vanzant, Michaela Angela Davis, Essence Atkins and many more speak out about bullying and the trending separation between #teamlightskin and #teamdarkskin on social media.
http://www.oprah.com/own-lightgirls/The-Colorism-Conversation-Continues-in-Light-Girls-Video
Iyanla Vanzant, Chante Moore, Essence Atkins and More Share Experiences of Colorism as Light-Skinned Women
In the documentary “Light Girls,” African-American actresses and media personalities born with lighter complexions recount painful childhood memories.
http://www.oprah.com/own-lightgirls/Why-Iyanla-Believes-Colorism-Leaves-Scars-on-a-Womans-Soul-Video
Hollywood and Colorism
Hollywood is often criticized for its casting choices, with many believing that lighter-skinned actresses are given preference over darker-skinned actresses. In the documentary “Light Girls,” Chris Spencer (co-creator of “Real Husbands of Hollywood”), Raven-Symoné (That’s So Raven) and other entertainers discuss how the opposite is sometimes true.
http://www.oprah.com/own-lightgirls/Why-Actresses-Like-Raven-Symone-Tanned-Their-Skin-Video
About “Light Girls”
From the creator and director of the critically acclaimed documentary “Dark Girls,” award-winning filmmaker Bill Duke continues the conversation on colorism with “Light Girls.” Sharing the untold stories and experiences of lighter-skinned women, “Light Girls” dives deep into the discussion of skin color, preference, privilege, pain and prejudice. The documentary unravels the lost pages of history to find the origins of colorism, racial self-hatred and the ideal standards of beauty, and takes viewers on a journey through time and story, seeking to both heal and unite light and dark women from all walks of life throughout the world.
