Step into the world of elegance and tradition with the upcoming documentary, ‘The Debutantes,’ as it prepares to grace the stage of the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival.
‘The Debutantes’ delves into the lives of an intergenerational group of Black women and girls in Canton, Ohio, as they work to revitalize the debutante ball—a once-prominent tradition among the Black middle class. Filmed during the 2022 Cotillion, this coming-of-age documentary follows Canton’s first group of Black debutantes in over a decade, highlighting their preparation for a formal debut to society. The film captures their journey through waltz lessons and etiquette classes, juxtaposed with Gen Z sensibilities, as these high school juniors and seniors navigate their own paths toward success.
‘The Debutantes’ will have its world premiere on June 7 at 5 p.m. at the Village East by Angelika, located at 181-189 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003.
NBC News Studios has partnered with Westbrook Studios and BET Studios to co-produce this documentary, directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Contessa Gayles. Known for her work on identity, socio-political movements, and Black liberation, Gayles brings a unique vision to this film. Her previous work has been supported by prestigious organizations such as Impact Partners, Field of Vision, and the International Documentary Association.
Through immersive cinema verite, archival imagery, personal video diaries, and TikTok dance montages, The Debutantes introduces viewers to Amelia, Dedra, and Teylar. These young women grapple with issues of identity and gender norms while pursuing their dreams of higher education and professional success.
‘“The Debutantes’ is set against the backdrop of rites of passage and rituals, communal mothering and sistering, traumas and triumphs,” said Director Contessa Gayles. “The film bears witness to the lives of Black girls and creates space for us to be presented, as we rarely are—in our full humanity. Neither stereotyped nor tokenized. Full of strength and resilience, but also vulnerability and irreverence.”
Molly O’Brien, Vice President/Head of Documentary for NBC News Studios, highlighted the personal connection that sparked the film’s creation. “The film was ignited by NBC News Studios development executive Reniqua Allen Lamphere, whose mother shared an experience as a Black debutante in the 70s,” O’Brien said. “We were fortunate to bring Contessa Gayles on as director, who had a personal connection to the story and a strong artistic vision, immediately immersing herself with the girls, allowing them to control their own narratives.”
Jannat Gargi, Producer and former SVP of Documentaries for Westbrook Studios, expressed enthusiasm for supporting Gayles’ vision. “Westbrook jumped at the opportunity to support director Contessa Gayles in capturing this heartwarming coming-of-age portrait of extraordinary young Black girls in Canton, OH, and the community of strong women elders supporting them,” said Gargi.
BET Studios also expressed pride in the partnership. “Debutante pageants have played an integral role in Black society dating back hundreds of years,” said Aisha Summers Burke, Executive Vice President and General Manager of BET Studios. “Through the riveting storytelling of director Contessa Gayles, we celebrate the importance of this legacy through the lens of a new generation.”
The Debutantes promises to be a touching and insightful film, providing a fresh perspective on a cherished tradition and the young women who carry it forward. Check out some first look images below. For more information and tickets, click here.
