Subjects of Desire

"Subjects of Desire" is a thought-provoking film that explores how Western beauty standards have shifted to embrace Black women's aesthetics, but not the Black women who originated those aesthetics. The film explores decades of Black representation in the media, linking the cultural treatment of Black women to the dangerous stereotypes we've seen throughout history and today: the mammy, the jezebel, the "angry Black woman", to name a few. "Subjects of Desire" corrects these misrepresentations by centering Black women's voices and experiences as they navigate their lives and their identities in a society that simultaneously undervalues and capitalizes off of them. This is specifically addressed through the interviews with a group of young Black women participating in the Miss Black America Pageant, where they challenge conventional ideas of what being "beautiful" means. Educational and insightful, "Subjects of Desire" skillfully exposes the interconnection between racism and beauty standards in America, and deserves wide viewership.

Thank you Jennifer Holness for the brilliance of Subjects of Desire.

I watched the film with my 92 year old mother and we both were beaming with pride as we absorbed the storyline and hung on to every word spoken by the women in this documentary.

How wonderful it felt to be watching and listening to the brilliance of all of our #blackgirlmagic There were certainly some conversations discussed in the film that many of us need to have with our own sisters, mothers and close friends.

For anyone reading this review and deciding whether to watch this film, just do it! You will not be disappointed.

This film is such a beautiful portrait of Black women's beauty and inner life. I really appreciate the historical and contemporary trajectory, juxtapositions, and even repetitions! The innovation and community fostered in the face of struggle against white beauty standard is so wonderfully highlighted and a must-see for everyone. I can't wait for the opportunity to screen this film at festivals/events and classrooms I have creative control over. There's so much to unpack and champion here. There is a loving tenderness extended to each person and perspective in the film, extremely well done. Thank you Jennifer for this love letter to Black women.

I personally thought it wonderful. I have a wonderful black best friend and she has said in the past "here is my ....hair, here is my ....hair" and I didn't get it. Now I do. My white, curly, wild hair is what I do everyday, everywhere. Never thought about having it to be different at different venues. Wow! It is educational into different peoples experience of life. How can someone discount that?? Learn people, learn. Don't politicize it folks. Just learn how others experience life! I hate to tell you but someone has too..you ain't the center of the universe. We all are important and we all live together together. Or...die together. I personally welcome all, want to learn about all and love all and HOPE they love me back.

Many thanks to Jennifer Holness for creating such a powerful documentary exploring issues related to images of beauty which have shaped the experiences of Black women. As a teacher and principal I only wish that we had had this film earlier. We will be showing this film to our staff and students. The documentary provides many insights into images of beauty fand their impact for Black women. We learn how these images have dominated film, theatre, television and other media. This film will, I believe, inspire and empower Black female students to gain confidence and courage and will support all students to question their assumptions and to build understanding. This documentary should be shown in all schools!