22/08/2026
"Whitewash" (1994) is an animated HBO television film directed by Michael Sporn and written by acclaimed playwright Ntozake Shange. Despite its short runtime, "Whitewash" tackles a difficult subject in a format intended for younger audiences. The film features Ruby Dee as Helene's grandmother and Linda Lavin as her teacher, and Ruby Dee received an Emmy nomination for her voice performance. Whitewash also won the 1995 Andrew Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Children's Video. Nearly forgotten today, the film is an interesting example of 1990s Black animation using children's programming to directly confront racism, racial violence, and its emotional impact on young people.
Director: Michael Sporn
Writer: Ntozake Shange
Starring Ruby Dee, Serena Henry, Ndehru Roberts, Linda Lavin, Danielle Robinson, Randy Kaplan, Matthew Jacobson, Travis Delingua, Ashanti Williams, Winnie Zhang
Storyline
Based on actual events, the film follows a young Black girl named Helene who is traumatized after a racist gang attacks her and her brother and spray-paints her face white. The story explores racism through the perspective of children while showing how Helene's family, classmates, and community respond to the attack.
Available on DVD and streaming services.