Award-winning filmmaker Tonia Magras will present the premiere of her latest documentary, “More than Our Skin,” at Fitchburg State University on Thursday, Feb. 22.
The film, focusing on five women living with the autoimmune disease vitiligo, will be shown at 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. in Ellis White Lecture Hall in Hammond Hall. Admission is free and open to the public, and guests will include cast members and state and local leaders. The film has also been entered into competition at several film festivals.
Magras, a three-time Emmy-award winner and seven-time nominee, is producer and director of the film, and is currently enrolled in the film/video program at Fitchburg State. She has over three decades of production and film experience, beginning with her 25-year career at PBS’ flagship station, WGBH Boston. She enrolled at Fitchburg State in 2022 to pursue her formal education while she continued her career in film.
“I’m thrilled to be premiering my film at Fitchburg State University, a place that has encouraged, supported, and allowed me the time to complete this important documentary,” Magras said. “To be able to share this accomplishment with faculty, staff, and my fellow filmmakers is an amazing thrill for me.
“It was always important to me to share my skill sets with aspiring filmmakers at Fitchburg State, but also to provide opportunities for fellow students to work in a real production environment, like that of the making of ‘More Than Our Skin,’” Magras continued. “I’m proud of the students who have made an indelible mark on this important project, something Fitchburg State has created a wonderful foundation for aspiring content creators. To be able to share my work at Fitchburg State University is an amazing achievement for me. As a student, I've learned so much from professors and fellow students which I feel has made ‘More Than Our Skin’ a better film. I’m excited Fitchburg State has given me the opportunity to share this film first with this supportive and encouraging community."
Her husband and production partner Gregory Magras is the film’s executive producer.
The film explores the depths and effects of living with vitiligo through the stories of Katrina, Millicent, Valarie, Patricia, and Alicia. Vitiligo is an auto-immune disease in which the skin loses its pigment cells resulting in discolored patches throughout the body, leaving to experiences of depression, social stigmatization, and isolation. This film tells the story of these women who found strength after the pain; a newfound resilience; and the mission to help others find a way to live life to the fullest.
Learn more about the film at morethanourskin.org.