Subjects of Desire

About Subjects of Desire

"Subjects of Desire" is a groundbreaking film released in 2021 that examines the cultural shift in beauty standards towards Black aesthetics and features. The film provides a thought-provoking exploration into the history and cultural influences driving this new phenomenon. It is a deep dive into the changing notions of Black beauty, representation, racial identity, and the impact these have on Black women worldwide.

Making / Production

The film is directed by Jennifer Holness and produced by Hungry Eyes Media, in association with documentary Channel and TVO. The production offers a collective voice to Black women by featuring interviews with influential figures, cultural critics, and everyday women. These conversations ground the documentary in a sociopolitical context, demonstrating how aesthetics can reflect deeper societal issues.

Actors

• Jennifer Holness: Not just the director, she also appears in the documentary, bringing her personal experiences and perspectives to it. She navigates the complex topic with compassion and intellect.
• Beverly Johnson: The first African American model to grace the cover of Vogue, her appearance in the film underscores the historic struggles of Black women in beauty ideals.
• Winnie Harlow: A successful model with vitiligo, she speaks about her journey, highlighting the shifting beauty standards within the industry.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Subjects of Desire" is Jennifer Holness's first full-length documentary feature as a director.
• The film was selected for the SXSW Film Festival in 2021.
• The documentary includes analysis of historic events like the first Black Miss America, Vanessa Williams's victory in 1983, to exemplify shifts in societal perception.

Awards

While "Subjects of Desire" has received critical acclaim for challenging beauty stereotypes, there is no information about any awards it has won at this time.

Quotes

• "There is so much more to being Black than just how we look. But it's also how we look. And we exist in both spaces." - Anonymous speaker in the movie
• "Black beauty itself is inherently political." - Cultural critic in the movie

Music, Soundtrack

The soundtrack for "Subjects of Desire" primarily uses instrumental music to provide an introspective and profound atmosphere to complement the powerful interviews and discussions presented in the film.