Beauty Is - The Must See Documentary About Black Beauty

By Ronke Lawal, 24 April 2014


From the beginning until the end, 'Beauty Is'  tackles the issue of how society views black beauty with no holds barred. I could probably write about this film for too long, and end up with an essay as opposed to a review but in summary I would definitely recommend the film! The multi-faceted approach with its production means that it is easy to watch but not so easy that it becomes 'simplisitic', it handles the vicissitudes of how beauty is defined cross culturally and across genders powerfully and provocatively.

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Beauty Is… A documentary by Toyin Agbetu

By Joke, Thursday, 1 May 2014

Beauty is … is a documentary looking at various areas of how beauty is defined, what is considered beautiful and raising questions along the way. Although viewers would have heard about some of the issues from the blogosphere, this documentary takes a more in depth look at things and from different perspectives. With  films like ‘Good Hair’, ‘Shadeism’ and ‘Dark Girls’ already out there, this documentary brings all these issues and more under one roof.

I also found myself reflecting on what beauty is to me, where do my notions of beauty come from, why do I make certain ‘beauty’ choices and what messages do I send out to the world with my choices.

Toyin Agbetu has created a brilliant and relevant piece of work and it deserves to be seen by as many as possible not only in the Diaspora but across the African continent. It raises awareness, asks questions and makes you want to find the answers.

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BEAUTY IS... CULTURAL TRANSFORMATION AND EMPOWERMENT

By Michelle Yaa Asantewa, 1 May 2014

At the screening of 'Beauty Is' on 26 April at SOAS, University of London, someone asked whether there was a need for this film, perhaps even the debate. Responses by the audience and the panel were unanimous that such a film was very much needed.

This is an important film that reveals the need for individual and collective responsibility to advance the total liberation of Africans - culturally, economically, politically and psychologically. The ellipsis in the title is an important signal that we can take control of our own sense of identity and self-worth, that we can define beauty on our terms, that we do not need to subscribe to others perceptions, whether these influences are internal or external. Through honest and sometimes painful self-reflection, for me 'Beauty is...' a spiritual and creative journey leading to individual and collective empowerment.

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TBB: Sunday Read 'Beauty Is' An Evening to Ponder a Visual Message

By Debbie D'oyley, May 2014

Beauty Is... is an important documentary and I understand and applaud those teachers keen to include it in their own school's programme. It makes you feel like you'e gone to a family barbecue and everyone is having their say. The hardest punch comes from the opening short film, which does a good job of waking you up with a little guilt. From then onwards, the interviews, animations, live and doll-enacted (I'm not kidding) short films really do just make you think. It is important because it is made from the uniquely British arm of the African Diaspora to which, I think, everyone will be able to relate.
 
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Is Black Really Beautiful?

By Zhana, 7 May 2014

Beauty Is explores the relationship people of the African Diaspora, and all African people, have with beauty. Our quest for beauty influences:  our health, our economics, our relationships and our self-esteem and the film explores all of those areas. This is a very important film.

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