Beauty: Only Skin Deep???

Documentary

Beauty: Only Skin Deep??? explores the ideology of what beauty is considered to be, in the African American community. Both Adolescents and adults struggling with their outer appearance, can find it difficult to compete with a standard of beauty that often exist in society. The demand to have flawless skin, straight hair, big breast, a flat stomach, and a round derriere often seen on television commercials, or in magazines, can trigger one to believe that getting plastic surgery can enhance their looks. This documentary also explores why some women of color feel the need to bleach their skin. The idea that “lighter is better than dark,” has been resonating through the minds of generations from various cultures. Who feel that having lighter skin will open up doors for them socially and economically. I use my own personal struggles with my body image, and self esteem to intertwine, with some of what my subjects; a cosmetologist, an Aesthetic skin care surgeon, and two barbers, states about how vain beauty is in the African American community.

Credits

Director/Editor/Producer – Shakeima Cooks
Additional Editing – Kanokon Sookaram and Karen Moran
DP – Yessica Curiel Montoya
Additional Cinematography – Ian Phillips and Chris Montgomery
Sound Recordist – Lars Fuchs

Cast

Libra Sene – Professional Cosmetologist
Dr. Rosetta Garriers – Aesthetic Skin Care Surgeon

Shakeima Cooks

A graduate film student at The City College of New York, Shakeima Cooks background includes Public Relations and Advertising with a minor in Journalism. In 2012 Shakeima interned for POV a small documentary division at PBS, and has interned at other notable film divisions such as DCTV (Downtown Community Television) founded by John Alpert. In addition to Maysles Films, a film company established by documentarian Albert Maysles. Shakeima in 2009 completed a documentary with a non-profit organization called EVC (Educational Video Center). The film was titled, “The War Within,” Which is a film about youth, in communities of color, dealing with depression. “A House Is Not A Home,” is the second film that she directed, edited and produced. That was where Shakeima and two other women discuss their experiences of growing up in the Foster Care System, and being adopted by both biological and non-biological family. Directing documentaries have always allowed Shakeima to understand the concept of thinking globally and acting locally when it comes to creating films. Diversity is something that Shakeima consider, should be important to any documentarian. It allows the filmmaker to connect with various audiences from different backgrounds who may be going through a similar struggle. Being a filmmaker to Shakeima is not defined by making millions of dollars, it’s about getting into the minds of the unconscious.

Specialization

Writing and Directing Documentary

Quote

The Challenge Is To Be Yourself, In A World That\’s Trying To Make You Like Someone Else
___ Renee Locks

Credits

Sound Recordist – “Plus Minus Black”

Contact Shakeima

Shakeima Cooks@gmail.com
646-584-3184