According to data collected from a 10-year survey of over 2,300 girls from schools in various parts of the United States, African-American girls are 50% more likely to suffer from bulimia than white girls. Additionally, girls from the lowest income level are 153% more likely to suffer from bulimia than girls from the highest income level.

Cultural standards, as well assumptions and stereotypes deeply affect how young black girls and women are diagnosed and treated for disordered eating.

In a new short film titled “The B Word”, twin sisters, filmmakers and business partners Nakisha Celistan and Nichole Aliece Celistan draw from their own experiences to depict two young African-American sisters in turmoil.

“THE B WORD” is a cinematic short narrative depicting two sisters on conflicting paths; both leading to a destructive cycle of fear, blame and uncertainty. The story is set around the disease of “Bulimia Nervosa”, and how it’s debilitating factors can transform a sisterly bond into one of dysfunction; ultimately becoming unhealthy and toxic.

The film recently screened at The San Francisco Black Film Festival. Watch a short trailer below.

The B Word Trailer from A Celistan & Co. Films on Vimeo.

Watch the sisters talk about the film and their experiences in an interview at the San Francisco Black Film Festival.

For more information follow the Celistan sisters on Facebook.