Softer
May 2, 2021
5m
Overview
Softer examines the demands of "softening" that are requested of Black women's bodies in society---from job prospects to romantic ones---be that in their voice, their manners, and, critically, their hair. The experimental short plays upon the grooming rituals of softening that are terrifyingly rough through a recreation of a permanent wave machine produced perm (popular in the 1930s-1950s). The short mediates on the historical ways in which Black women have tried to answer this demand on softness through respectable appearance and behavior.
Directed by
Where to watch
In United States
Not available to stream, rent, or buy in United States right now.
More like this
Aquaman: Heroines of Atlantis
2019
Goodbye June
2025
Avatar: Creating the World of Pandora
2010
Misbehaviour
2020
Man with the Gun
1955
Mask
1985
Flamin' Hot
2023
Problemista
2024
Radium Girls
2020
Car Wash
1976
On the Basis of Sex
2018
Fedora
1978
The Director and the Jedi
2018
Mr. Church
2016
The Neon Demon
2016
Bravetown
2015
Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds
2016
The Man in the Moon
1991
Nickel Boys
2024
Hairspray
1988