This past Friday night at the historic Apollo Theatre, I previewed a documentary that was buzzing amongst black women on the internet for some time now. I thought to myself “not another black woman down film please.”

Inspired by producers and award winning directors D. Channsin Berry and Bill Duke’s experiences growing up, Dark Girls shines light not only on society’s issue with colorism but African-Americans’ issue with skin color within their own culture.

The film delved into colorism and racism by addressing the history dating back to slavery, the impact that it has had on society and global cultures (the brown paper bag test, skin brightening creams, etc), familial influences, men and women’s views on dating and skin color preference, the stereotypes and stigmas associated with skin color, and the media’s role in perpetuating this. Featured in the film were various industry experts on race, actor and comedian Michael Colyar, Academy Award nominated actress, Viola Davis, along with varying interviews with Black women [and men] of various hues, expressing their biases and disdain for racism that has permeated their lives for so long.

In the audiences, you could hear the ‘umm mmms’ and the ‘yeah girls’ or even the loud gasps as to be surprised or appalled by hearing some of the ignorant stereotypes for the first time. Maybe because I was among some who have already been privy to experiencing or bearing witness to this stuff before. I laughed when it was funny but remained stoic the remainder of the time because it wasn’t unfamiliar to me.

Hearing these women speak about their experiences wanting to be light skinned or men not wanting to date them, reminded me of similar experiences I too had growing up. But I kept things in perspective, knowing that all of their truth wasn’t my truth and wasn’t the only voice for all women of color. Dark Girls offered one of many stories that some needed to hear.

After the film was done, the producers were welcomed back on stage to a standing ovation before the Q&A session started. They carefully crafted the stories told in this film, making sure to express that they sought empowerment of all women, not victimization of them, noting that all skin colors were beautiful. They offered a healing aspect at the end of the film, hoping this would lend way to honest and open communication amongst all people of color.

They also mentioned working on upcoming films, exploring more of this dynamic, including The Yellow Brick Road (contrarian view to Dark Girls, exploring struggles from light skinned women’s perspectives) and What is a Man?

Are their issues telling a story like this and should black men be the one always telling it? Mixed opinions would ring from all kinds of mountaintops so what I will say is this. Dark Girls created a[nother] space for more dialog but for the sake of all women across the world, I just hope it remains as open, honest, and empowering as the producers had intentioned.

The film is currently being shown in various cities throughout the country.  Learn more about Bill Duke, whom you may recognize from various acting credits including X-Men 3 and Predator, and D. Channsin Berry. For more information on viewings or to watch a preview, click here.

Are you interested in seeing Dark Girls? What are your thoughts if you’ve seen it already? Did you experience colorism growing up?