The Debutantes
World Premiere

The Debutantes

Documentary Competition
Feature | United States | 96 MINUTES | English
Women, Black & African American Diaspora Stories, Expressions of Black Freedom

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? 


A coming-of-age story rooted in challenging the institutions that formed the bedrock of social standing, while also celebrating their unique import of bridging communal bonds, director Contessa Gayles crafts a delicate portrait of a bygone moment against a modern backdrop. Unearthing questions of performative action and conformity, the film gives voice to a bold new perspective on the clash between the joys of childhood and the realities of forging a new path personally and collectively.––Casey Baron


Cast & Credits
Directed by
Contessa Gayles
Director
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

Contacts
Press Contact
Elektra Gray
NBC News Studios / MSNBC Films
New York , 91608
Phone: 747 324 3700
Elektra.Gray@nbcuni.com
International Sales Contact
CAA Media Finance
Creative Artists Agency
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: 424 288 2000
filmsales@caa.com
Print Source
Alex Pilkington
NBC News Studios
New York, NY 10112
Phone: 212-664-4603
Alex.Pilkington@nbcuni.com
International Sales Contact
Amanda Lebow
Creative Artists Agency
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: 424 288 2000
amanda.lebow@caa.com
US Sales Contact
Amanda Lebow
Creative Artists Agency
Los Angeles, CA 90067
Phone: 424 288 2000
amanda.lebow@caa.com
* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
Rush will be offered when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available at venues other than Beacon Theatre.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.

 

Part of the Expressions of Black Freedom programming, sponsored by:

 

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