Filmmaker Vic Sarin investigates the prevalence of a curious cousin to racism—discrimination based on skin tone within one's own ethnic group, or what he calls colourism—in this documentary, a highly personal project with larger dimensions. Sarin, who lives in Canada, begins with a recollection of his childhood in India, where his mother urged him to bundle up even in very hot weather to prevent the darkening effects of the sun. That experience left a continuing impression—Sarin is even reluctant to join his family on beachfront excursions—which has led him to travel widely (to Brazil, South Africa, the Philippines, and Tanzania, as well as India) to interview people about their attitudes. The results are anecdotal but telling: a Filipino woman who suffered childhood bullying because of her dark skin went on to establish a skin-whitening cosmetics company; a dark-toned Brazilian street-sweeper, who began dancing while doing his job during Carnival, became a national celebrity; and Tanzanian albinos are being targeted for their light-colored bodies. The media (particularly advertising's role in shaping standards of beauty) is identified as a major culprit in perpetuating stereotypes underlying colourist attitudes, but Sarin also hopefully notes that at least among younger people, including his own children, such views appear to be on the decline. A heartfelt study of a widespread and hurtful phenomenon, Hue is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Hue: A Matter of Colour
(2013) 85 min. DVD: $295. DRA. National Film Board of Canada. PPR. Closed captioned. Volume 30, Issue 2
Hue: A Matter of Colour
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