Following a decades long absence, a new group of Black debutantes dawn on Canton, Ohio, where an intergenerational group of women and girls seek to bring a new source of vibrant energy to the forgotten tradition of the debutante ball. Preparing for the event takes herculean efforts, as waltz and etiquette classes become key for all involved — not to mention the need for escorts to the delightful affair — and traditions and contemporary political ideals come to a head. The elegant white dresses that signify the pristine nature of the event cannot mask the concerns of elitism, colorism and classism tied to the ball’s legacy. What does all of this mean for the young ladies taking the next step into adulthood?
Directed by Contessa Gayles
Producer
Contessa Gayles, Alyse Shorland, Jannat Gargi, Molly O’Brien, Aya Sloan
Cinematographer
Contessa Gayles
Editor
Stefani Saintonge
Composer
Wynne Bennett
Archival Producer
Lauren Wimbush
Assistant Editor
Arielle Davis
Cast
Dedra Robbins, Amelia Boles, Teylar Bradley
Production partners:
Westbrook Studios
BET Studios
Meadow Fund
deNovo Initiative
Cocomotion Pictures