Art House | ‘Body Paragraphs’ Ponders Teen Struggle for Self-Esteem

Here’s a friendly bit of advice. Keep an eye on emerging writer/director Erika Lobati, whose latest short film – a by turns compelling and comedic mediation on body image – was produced while she was a student at the University of Kansas.

“Body Paragraphs” explores a teenager’s psychological struggle for self-esteem against the backdrop of a society that devalues unconventional beauty. Through this film, Lobati grapples with the issues of confidence and conflict resolution in the face of fatphobia.

“I would best describe it as a kind of subversion of my memories in childhood and middle school and high school,” Lobati said. “I wanted to write a character that would be an inspiration for me at that age.”

Mission accomplished. To see and hear more about “Body Paragraphs” and two of Lobati’s other short films, watch the attached video.

John McGrath is a video producer and host of Art House for Kansas City PBS.