Neutrogena Studios, Ghetto Film School, and artists Chloe x Halle’s Neutrogena Studios First Frame program is a program that is aimed at supporting up-and-coming Gen Z filmmakers through high-impact training and production as they create cutting-edge skin-health content. “En Avant” and “If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin” are two short films directed by women of color who imagine a world where the skin isn’t a barrier and the voices of the unheard are lifted.
About En Avant: This short film highlights the internal struggle of a young Black ballerina, Ragan, as she faces racism in a white-dominated art form. After being cast in the lead role in professional ballet, Ragan is pressured by the ballet’s director to lighten her skin with make-up to be consistent with the white dancers on stage. She reluctantly goes along with the request, but with each performance in the lighter make-up, she feels more degraded. Directed by Sarah Jean Williams.
About If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin: This short film brings to life the allegorical story of a Black teenage boy, Ray Wright, who craves a life where his skin no longer affects his daily life or how others perceive him. The film follows him through the streets of the Bronx, trying to unite his community’s voice through music to rally against the divisive hate against color. Directed by Kyra Peters.
You can watch and learn more about Chloe X Halle’s Neutrogena Studios First Frame program by visiting www.neutrogena.com/studios
