Horror as Protest: "Skin" Confronts Colorism at HollyShorts

Key Takeaways

• Independent filmmakers have the freedom to be radical and speak the uncomfortable truth. Urvashi Pathania highlights the power of tackling taboo subjects like colorism through the horror genre.
• The skin whitening industry will be worth 24 billion dollars by 2027. Pathania's personal experiences with colorism inform her film's narrative, shedding light on the toxic beauty standards many face.
• We used waterproof probe lens to get incredibly close to our actors in the tank. This technique helped capture the surreal elements of Skin, and Pathania recommends experimenting with probe lenses for unique visual storytelling.

Urvashi Pathania, a filmmaker whose work delves into themes of identity, beauty, and grief, brings her latest project, Skin, to the HollyShorts Film Festival. Born in India and raised in New Jersey, Urvashi's background profoundly influences her storytelling. Her film features Sureni Weerasekera as Ria, a makeup influencer, and Shreya Navile as Kanika, her sister, exploring a gripping narrative around skin lightening and the dangerous allure of eurocentric beauty ideals.

League of Filmmakers sat down with Urvashi to discuss the inspirations and challenges behind Skin, as well as the creative insights she gained along the way.

Q&A Interview

What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?

Growing up Indian in America, I was always aware of my skin color. A friend's comment about needing to lighten my skin led to my mom using toxic bleaching creams on me, resulting in permanent burns. This personal history inspired "Skin," a horror-thriller about two sisters tempted by an experimental skin bleaching machine. The skin whitening industry is booming, and I hope my film sheds light on the dangerous and toxic beauty standards many face.

Was there a moment on set that changed how you saw the story?

We needed to make our actress's complexion much lighter using makeup, and it was a budget constraint to do the makeup test during a shoot day. When it worked, and Shreya emerged looking like another race, it was horrifying and perfect—exactly what the film needed.

What moment in the film feels the most uniquely you?

I've seen the famous Bergman shot from "Persona" used often, but never to compare the skin tones of two brown women. That moment felt deeply personal and pointed.

"I hope audiences gain an awareness of colorism and it starts conversations about implicit bias within communities."

What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?

Choosing the color of the tanning liquid was challenging. I didn’t want it to look like liquified brown skin. When we landed on a golden shimmery brown, it felt like it reflected the souls of brown women.

What do you hope audiences take away from your film?

I hope audiences gain awareness of colorism and it starts conversations about implicit bias within communities.

How has this film shaped the stories you want to tell next?

I loved incorporating surreal elements to externalize Kanika's worldview. I want to lean further into the weird, wacky, and surreal.

"Talking about colorism is taboo, but film, especially horror, is the place to talk about the taboos of the world."

What does it mean to have your film selected for HollyShorts?

I'm honored to return to HollyShorts and screen alongside other incredible filmmakers.

Where do you see this film going next?

We're just beginning our festival circuit, having premiered at Fantasia. We have a feature script, treatment, budget, and deck ready. We're chatting with exciting collaborators and seeking more folks who are passionate about the project.

"At the core of all my work is a desire to be understood."

For more on Urvashi Pathania and Skin, check out the trailer below.