Stefani Saintonge
Writing
Known For
A non-linear coming-of-age story about Gullah Geechee children who set off into the dark of night to prove their spiritual maturity by embarking upon solo journeys in the sea island woods for self-reflection and discovery.
Seeking: Mapping Our Gullah Geechee Story

Focusing on the first group of Black debutantes in Canton, Ohio in a decade, this documentary follows the young women as they unpack the ball’s legacy and chart their path forward, both for tradition and themselves.
The Debutantes

A film crew follows three grieving participants of Miami’s annual T Ball, where folks assemble to model R.I.P. t-shirts and innovative costumes designed in honor of their dead.
T
Black women have played critical roles in all areas of the social justice movement but are often denied the platform they deserve. For Our Girls is a remix of the 2015 New York Times Op-Doc“ A CONVERSATION WITH BLACK WOMEN ON RACE.” It explores the stigmas Black girls face as they grow up within and outside their community. Working with the original interviews and reflections in 2020, mothers share their concerns with how they are shaping and impacting their daughters’ independence. The film is a love letter to Black daughter.
For Our Girls

Leigh’s video work Untitled (M*A*S*H) (2018) imagines a fictive order of black nurses operating on the front of the Korean War, a conflict that began between the United States and North Korea in 1950 and never officially ceased. Like M*A*S*H—the long-running American TV show (1972–83) it parodies—the work directs attention to the overlooked life in the staging grounds. Showcasing the agonizing choices faced by those who staff the tented encampments of war, it perhaps also serves as a reminder that our neighborhoods remain a warfront too. Using only artist’s tools, Leigh asks: How do we transform ourselves and others?
Untitled (M*A*S*H)
Everyone is growing up except Patrice. But when a raunchy rumor threatens her best friend Laura's reputation, she's forced to join the party and embrace adolescence.
Seventh Grade

A teacher gives a brief history lesson on the concept of whitness to students. This is intercut with Rage Against the Machines Killing in The Name of as well as quotes relating to the discussion. It goes onto critique racism and the overall structure of wealth and power in America and the history that generated it.
Rage Against the Machine - Killing in Thy Name

In this self-documented piece, Solange offers a diaristic, devotional, inward gaze, presenting the film as a moving liturgy of praise expressed through reverence for self, God, and the exalted mother Yemaya, emphasizing our profound connection to water and its vital role in existence.
Shakersss.mov

Axel is a happy 2-year-old. As long as mommy is near, the world brings something exciting every day. But one day, mommy leaves, and Axel is left to find new meaning.
Axel

Negra, Yo Soy Bella is a portrait of Mar Cruz, an Afro-Puerto Rican woman who sources strength, healing and black pride through the tradition of Bomba.
Negra, Yo Soy Bella

A poetic meditation on women’s work and the dreamlife of ants set to the words of Toni Morrison.