91´«Ã½

The twenty-minute video is based on actual events that occurred in the Bronx, New York, in 1992. Whitewash is the story of Helene Angel, a young African-American girl whose life takes a traumatic turn when her face is spray-painted by a racist gang. She reacts with fear, anger, and withdrawal and locks herself in her room, as TV and news people crowd outside the front door. Working through her emotions, Helene is supported by her caring grandmother, the voice of veteran actress, Ruby Dee, and by her teacher, the voice of actress Linda Lavin. Her supportive classmates are twelve-year-old schoolchildren voicing scripted reactions to Helene's story. Committee Chair Debra McLeod commented that, "visual design, original music, and believable characterization are seamlessly integrated in this thought-provoking, animated video."