ABOUT THE FILM

LOGLINE

Directed by and featuring activist Elle Moxley, BLACK BEAUTY is a visual diary that traces Elle’s story in her own words—as she reconnects with loved ones from the past, recalls her coming of age experience as a woman from the Midwest, and reflects on her journey as a movement leader and founding strategic partner of the global movement Black Lives Matter.

LONG SYNOPSIS

Directed by and featuring activist and organizer Elle Moxley, BLACK BEAUTY follows Elle in the midst of 2020. Through slow cinematic moments and meditations, BLACK BEAUTY quietly observes the storied organizer in and around her hometown of Columbus, Ohio, as she embarks on a personal journey with loved ones from the past to explore concepts of love, belonging, and home.

Through intimate conversations with her mother Lisa, her childhood friend Tonika, and her dear friend Samaria Rice, BLACK BEAUTY traces Elle’s story—from her early experiences as a teen in Columbus, becoming a founding strategic partner of the global movement Black Lives Matter, to her organizing work for Tamir Rice in Cleveland, and beyond. As Elle explores her history, she relays her vision for our collective future—a vision that suddenly feels possible in this rapidly changing world.

BLACK BEAUTY is a cry out for hope, change, and the importance of self-love. BLACK BEAUTY is an invitation for us all to return home to ourselves.

Director Elle Moxley

Producers Elle Moxley, Laura Tatham, Laura Pilloni

Associate Producer Yanett Ramirez

Editors Kamillah Amirah Bryant, Princess A. Hairston

Director of Photography Emir Fils-Aime

Music Jason Yang

Cast Elle Moxley, Harper Moxley, Lisa Hearns, Samaria Rice, Tonika Mason, Nia Doyle

FESTIVALS
2022: Inside Out Toronto, Cinema Columbus (Premieres)

AVAILABLE TERRITORIES
The World

EXHIBITION FORMATS
Digital Download