Girlhood
Black Filmmakers
•
13m
A high school freshman deals with the pressures of popularity when her best friend enters a new world of boys and alcohol. Jaelyn Ellis directs “Girlhood,” a coming-of-age snapshot on teenage social life and evolving friendships. Mia loves going to disco nights at the local roller rink, but her friend, Avery, is starting to care less about family-friendly skate outings and more about what’s cool and hot. Mia reluctantly agrees to go to a party with Avery but feels uncomfortable around drinking and rebellious behavior, and wants to find a way out. Ellis’ film is rendered with sensitivity and authenticity, punctuated by sharp detail about life as a black girl in predominantly white communities. “Are you with Jamal?,” a white kid on the couch asks her unprompted. She shakes her head no. -KA. Director: Jaelyn Ellis. Cast: Nylah Huntley, Madeline Croft. Director of Photography: Emily Walowski. Editor: Jonathan Lockhart Jr. Producer: Perry Cox. Production Designer: Connie O'Connor.
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