Donate to the AFI Thesis Film BEST EYES!

BEST EYES is a psychological drama that delves deeply into the devastating impacts of racism. Olivia (12) is a mixed-race girl who struggles with internalized racism, causing her to change her appearance to fit a more Eurocentric aesthetic in order to pass as white. Despite her mother’s wishes, she befriends a black girl from her inner-city neighborhood on a public bus ride to an all-white school. Will Olivia’s newfound friendship lead her to self-discovery?

BEST EYES TEAM:

Kira Powell: Director/Writer

Bonnie Von Duyke: Producer

Cinematographer: Udit Nijhawan

Co-Writer: Lauren Thomas

Production Designer: Disha Shah

Editor : Sharon Shen

Hi. I'm Kira Powell, Director/Writer of Best Eyes.

I was raised in an inner city neighborhood plagued by the perils of systemic racism. Poverty, violence, drug addiction and an overall lack of opportunity were commonplace in the neighborhood I called home. As a biracial child, I grew up with an internalized shame for my Black identity. The depressed state of my neighborhood gave me and my immigrant mother from Ecuador, an impression of what it meant to be Black in America. I unconsciously went through my childhood carrying this shame, which manifested itself in behaviors that led me to hide my black identity. Growing up bi-racial was complicated especially during a time and place where mixed people’s stories were not visible and represented. I felt confused by the dichotomy of how people saw me vs how I saw myself.

The journey to self love has been deeply gratifying. I have learned to be comfortable with who I am and have found acceptance in the fact that my racial identity and experiences may not be common, but they are mine. Olivia is still in a place in her life where she is grappling with her identity and coming of age, growing autonomy, and accepting and discovering her full self.

No raffles, sweepstakes, giveaways, or returns on investment are offered in exchange for any donations made to my GoFundMe."