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Memphis' very own, Jasmine Rene’ McCaskill, is the creator, director, and producer of HOMECOMING, her thesis film at Spelman College.
HOMECOMING is a experimental documentary film that explores the intersectionality of politics in race, class, privilege, and beauty through the re-telling of Zoe’s story of becoming the first Black Homecoming Queen to a predominantly white high school and reflecting upon the triumphant story of Pamela McKelvy, the first Black woman to represent the state of Kansas in the Miss America pageant.
Through orchestrating metaphorical, poetic scenes, the film critiques beauty standards, emphasizes Black beauty and its need for more representation in pageantry and activities alike, and sheds light on the politics of it all.
The film is dedicated to anyone who has felt counted out, yet persevered, and created to be a labor of love to Black women. The aim is to also honor Zoe’s story of becoming, celebrate her journey of finding self, and serve as a catalyst to pivot necessary interracial conversations about race, privilege, and beauty in America and how they intersect in the public school system, specifically those in predominantly-white neighborhoods.
Spelman College is a historically Black liberal arts college for women located in Atlanta, Georgia dedicated to the intellectual, creative, ethical, and leadership development of Black women. Jasmine is a Documentary Filmmaking major with a minor in Writing from Southaven, Miss., by way of Memphis, Tenn. She is a part of the first cohort of students at Spelman who will graduate with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Documentary Filmmaking. Jasmine is set to graduate in the Spring of 2021, after finishing up HOMECOMING.
Learn more at jasminerenestudios.com/myhomecoming