Bitter Sweet
by Amy B Tiong
Scrutiny over one’s appearance seems to be a universal experience for women. Repeatedly exposed to unattainable beauty and weight standards in the media, we’re constantly scrutinizing the contents of our plates. Comments from nosy relatives policing young women’s appetites are almost ubiquitous in family comedies, tinting the experience for young girls trying to come into their own at a crucial stage in their development. That’s exactly the moment filmmaker Amy B Tiong explored in her short film Bitter Sweet, which weaves moody, David Lynch-ian aesthetics with a coming-of-age journey that is familiar to so many of us. Read Amy’s full interview here.
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Just Hair
by Makeba L Ross
In the fight to end the hair discrimination that has plagued our society for centuries, those who advocate for change are often met with the phrase "it's just hair." Though the phrase may be accurate for some, it is inherently false in the Black female community. “Just Hair” explores the journey of growing up and living with Black hair and the impact it can have on the Black female experience. It's important that Black women share their hair stories, and it's important that young Black girls see Black women wear their natural hair with confidence. “Just Hair” is that representation of a Black woman wearing her natural hair with a smile on her face, encouraging the next generation to wear their hair with pride. Read Makeba's full interview here.
