“The Color Of Pain” is a new documentary directed by Marsha Hallager. It focuses on Black women with invisible disabilities. The film delves into the social and personal difficulties that come when Black women’s disabilities are dismissed because they are not immediately apparent. The documentary also takes a critical look at the currently low understanding and mistreatment of women’s pain owing to institutionalized biases.

An Emerging Conversation

The conversation around invisible disabilities has been coming up lately. The editor-in-chief of British Vogue is one of the most outspoken figures on hidden disabilities and the insufficient cultural understanding around them. Edward Enninful’s own invisible disabilities – eye and hearing issues along with blood disorders – are well documented in his memoir.

“The Color of Pain” is set to further desensitize the subject and shine a light on how invisible disabilities specifically affect Black women. In May, the film was selected as the documentary of the week by the International Documentary Association (IDA).

Correcting A Medical Disparity

Research shows that Black women are often the least prioritized when it comes to pain treatment. A 2022 Pew Research study found that Black women ages 18-49 have encountered at least one unpleasant experience with healthcare professionals. These unpleasant experiences often include the dismissal of their pain. A PNAS study in 2016, also found that Black people, including Black women, are less likely to be treated for pain. They are often given a lower pain management dosage when treatment is administered. 

According to the filmmakers behind “The Color of Pain,” this documentary will allow Black women living with invisible disabilities to feel seen and understood. Some of the filmmakers also live with invisible disabilities, which was a major driving force behind making the documentary. “The Color of Pain” could greatly impact the ongoing conversations around how seriously the healthcare system takes Black women’s pains.