The brilliant actor-turned-director new feature Dark Girls premieres at the Black Film Festival in October. You can watch the movie's 9 minute heartbreaking trailer below.

Many people say the bias for lighter skin among black is the result of slavery but this color line is not just in America. Look at the sales of skin lighteners in India. Look at the Asians rounding their eyes, and blacks pointing their noses. No matter where they're from, some people just want to be white. It's the miracle that’ll never happen for them.

As a dark girl, it’s difficult being the exact opposite of what is highly valued in America: a blue-eyed blonde. The negative to the positive. I had trauma being a dark girl growing up in the United States. All these stores are familiar to me. I’m hopeful that the film will open younger eyes to the total stupidity of this phenomenon.

But will I go to see the documentary? No, I’ve lived it.



Philly writer Trisha B. covers television for CrabbyGolightly.