Kyra Peters and Neutrogena’s First Frame Fellowship

The Storytelling Journey of Kyra Peters

Kyra Peters discovered her love for storytelling as a child, often losing herself in library books or listening to her grandmother, MaryAnn Laforce, recount mesmerizing Caribbean folk tales from St. Lucia. These early experiences ignited an endless curiosity about the world, as well as a profound sense of possibility that shaped Kyra’s worldview. As she recalls, these stories “made the world seem bigger than it is,” sparking a lifelong desire to share and create narratives that both challenge and inspire.

From Pages to Pictures: Breaking Into Filmmaking

Turning her passion for stories into a filmmaking career was not immediate or easy. Despite gaining access to opportunities like Ghetto Film School during her teenage years and pursuing formal education in film and television, Kyra initially hesitated to pursue directing due to self-doubt and a lack of representation. “I was afraid to push myself past the writers’ room,” she admits, reflecting on the feeling that her voice, as a young woman of color, might not be wanted in the industry.

The film industry’s glaring underrepresentation of women of color often leads talented young creatives to doubt their worth and prospects. Kyra’s experience is far from unique—young Black women are frequently asked if they have a “plan B” due to industry biases and obstacles. As Kyra puts it, “It’s been a fight this whole time.”

Neutrogena & Ghetto Film School: Creating the First Frame Fellowship

Recognizing the urgent need to address these disparities and elevate underrepresented voices, Neutrogena partnered with the Ghetto Film School to launch the First Frame Fellowship. This initiative is designed to empower diverse Gen Z filmmakers by providing not only financial support—$25,000 in funding per fellow—but also mentorship from experienced industry figures such as R&B duo Chloe and Halle Bailey. The program aims to bridge gaps in industry access and offer a powerful platform for new, authentic storytellers.

• Core Mission: Amplify diverse Gen Z filmmakers
• Resources Provided: Funding, mentorship, and creative exposure
• Mentors: Chloe and Halle Bailey, passionate supporters of diversity and inclusivity both in beauty and media

“Inclusivity in beauty is so important to us, and we love how Neutrogena offers such a diverse assortment of products for all people with skin. Being a part of the First Frame Program means helping to empower change and provide a platform for people with diverse backgrounds who have a story to tell,” explains Chloe Bailey, highlighting the alignment of Neutrogena’s brand values with the goals of the Fellowship.

Winning Submission: Exploring Skin, Stereotypes, and Identity

Kyra Peters’ winning submission to the First Frame Fellowship was a poignant script delving into the themes of stereotyping and confidence in one’s skin. For Kyra, these issues are deeply personal. “My skin is something I can’t take off. It’s something I live with every day.” Growing up, she faced colorism and struggled both with acne and a pervasive sense of being ‘otherized.’ Skin, for Kyra, is far more than a metaphorical barrier—it’s a literal one, often serving as the first impression presented to the world.

Her unique perspective is shaped by her academic background as well. With a major in film and television, and a minor in childhood and adolescent mental health studies, Kyra wanted to reach a younger audience with her message, hoping to support those facing similar pressures.

If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin: An Animated Allegory

The result of Kyra’s Fellowship is If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin, a deeply personal and allegorical animated film. The story centers on a Black teenage boy from the Bronx, inspired by Kyra’s older cousin Ray. The boy carries a wish that the colour of his skin would no longer determine how he is perceived or treated by others. Much like Ray, whose experience of being judged and labeled runs counter to the complexity recognized by his family, the protagonist’s journey spotlights the need for empathy and change.

“They didn’t see the same Ray that I saw,” Kyra says, explaining how she was motivated by the disconnect between public assumptions and personal reality. The film is brought to life through expressive voice work and song, using creative metaphors and accessible animation to convey complex social realities to wide audiences.

• Main Character: Black teenage boy inspired by Kyra’s cousin Ray
• Main Themes: Race, identity, perception, overcoming stereotypes
• Creative Medium: Animation, allegory, music and voice

Halle Bailey, reflecting on the film, noted the powerful resonance: “We were drawn to Kyra’s script for If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin because it so closely mirrors real life. It’s such a relevant story for so many, and the way she uses voice and song throughout was especially powerful.”

The Power and Responsibility of Representation

For Kyra, the recognition that comes with this Fellowship means more than a career boost—it is validation. “It means so much to finally be taken seriously as a Black female director. It means my voice is being elevated and heard on a completely different scale than ever before,” she states. Her ultimate hope is that her work will “inspire someone, not just entertain, but create a conversation or even change someone’s thoughts.”

The ripple effect of authentic representation cannot be underestimated. When diverse voices are given platforms to share their stories, it challenges harmful narratives and encourages empathy, understanding, and community-driven action.

Neutrogena Studios and the Broad Impact of First Frame

The First Frame Fellowship is part of Neutrogena Studios, an initiative under the wider “For People With Skin” campaign—an intentional, ongoing commitment to equity and accessibility in skin health and beauty. By backing short films and personal projects by creators like Kyra, Neutrogena Studios is working to democratize not just skincare products, but also representation in the stories that shape culture.

• Gen Z Focus: Supporting fresh, authentic voices from the emerging generation
• Diversity of Content: Encouraging stories from all backgrounds, particularly underrepresented ones
• Industry Change: Direct mentorship and support fosters pipeline changes and sustainable inclusion

This program complements Neutrogena’s broader mission to address disparities in skincare, challenge outdated stereotypes, and ensure everyone with skin—regardless of color or background—feels valued and celebrated.

Shifting Stereotypes: Why Gen Z Storytellers Matter

One of the strengths of the First Frame Fellowship is its focus on Gen Z filmmakers, who bring bold new perspectives and engage with issues of identity, confidence, and justice in layered, intersectional ways. These creators are not afraid to challenge the status quo or to expose complex social realities.

Chloe and Halle Bailey: Mentorship and the Influence of Advocacy

Chloe and Halle Bailey are not just mentors but vocal champions of inclusivity. Their involvement with the First Frame Fellowship reflects a shared belief in the importance of diversity, both in skin care and in storytelling. Their mentorship provides fellows with creative guidance and a living example of the possibilities available to those who persist in making their voices heard.

“Inclusivity is a core value of ours. Being able to help diverse talent tell their story—and seeing programs like this uplift those who may have felt unheard—is the type of change we want to embody,” Halle notes. Such mentorship helps fellows not only hone their creative skills but also build networks and confidence vital for navigating otherwise exclusive industry spaces.

Lessons Learned and The Way Forward

Kyra’s journey underscores several crucial lessons for the creative industry at large:

• Visibility Empowers: When young people from marginalized backgrounds see others like them create and succeed, it fosters self-belief and ambition.
• Mentorship Makes a Difference: Guidance from experienced, empathetic mentors helps emerging creatives build resilience and navigate institutional barriers.
• Stories Spark Change: By openly discussing lived experiences and vulnerabilities, stories can challenge ingrained assumptions and spark real dialogue.
• Community is Crucial: Change is collective; allies and supporters across backgrounds play a role in dismantling bias and building equity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Neutrogena’s First Frame Fellowship?

A: The First Frame Fellowship is an initiative by Neutrogena and the Ghetto Film School designed to support and amplify diverse Gen Z filmmakers, providing funding, mentorship, and a platform for authentic storytelling.

Q: Who is Kyra Peters and what is her film about?

A: Kyra Peters is a young filmmaker supported by the Fellowship. Her animated short, If My Voice Rang Louder Than My Skin, explores the challenges faced by a Black teenager in the Bronx dealing with prejudice and the way skin color can affect perception and confidence.

Q: How does the program address industry disparities?

A: By providing resources, mentorship, and a prestigious platform, the Fellowship helps break down barriers for underrepresented groups, challenges stereotypes, and fosters sustainable inclusion in media.

Q: Why does Gen Z representation in film matter?

A: Gen Z creators bring fresh perspectives, intersectionality, and a willingness to address issues such as race, mental health, and social justice, enriching the industry and prompting meaningful conversations.

Inspiring Change, One Story at a Time

Programs like Neutrogena’s First Frame Fellowship—alongside the creativity and courage of fellows like Kyra Peters—demonstrate that inclusive, representative storytelling benefits everyone. By investing in young, diverse voices and giving them the support to speak their truths, we all gain from a richer cultural narrative, where more people can see themselves and their communities reflected with dignity and nuance.

To watch Kyra’s film and discover more about the impact of the First Frame initiative, visit the resources provided by Neutrogena Studios and follow the journey of the next generation of storytellers as they redefine what’s possible for film, community, and representation.