2025
Feature Documentary(Special Screening Premiere)

The Debutantes

CC
Closed captions online
OC
Open captions in-person

A coming-of-age portrait, The Debutantes follows an intergenerational group of Black women and girls in post-industrial Canton, Ohio, as they revitalize the debutante ball. Waltz lessons and etiquette classes clash with Gen Z sensibilities as a new generation of young Black women find their voices, their light and their own way forward.

Screenings

Virtual

August 2 – August 4

Directors Spotlight

A picture of a woman named Contessa Gayles seated against a black backdrop. She wears a fully black outfit consisting of a beret and turtleneck, barely visible against the dark background. Her long, small, braided hair falls over her shoulders as she holds a calm, contemplative expression gazing slightly upwards and to the side. Her bold red lipstick stands out prominently against her dark attire, and her hands are clasped loosely in her lap.

Contessa Gayles

Director

Contessa Gayles is an award-winning film director, writer, DP, editor and an Emmy-nominated producer. She tells stories about community, coming-of-age, Black liberation and the radical imagination.

Year
2024
Runtime
91 minutes
Country
United States
Language
English
Cinematographer
Brittany Shyne, Contessa Gayles, Imani Dennison, Robie Flores, Sade Ndya
Composer
Wynne Bennett
Director
Contessa Gayles
Editor
Stefani Saintonge
Production Design
Alastair Mecke, Christine Hsia
Premiere
Special Screening

Sign-up for Festival Updates