New Short Film “Calico” Celebrates the Courage of Living with Vitiligo
We’ve always said that vitiligo is more than skin deep—and now, there’s a powerful new film that proves it. Calico, a multi-award-winning short film written by Sarah and Jake Mavity, is officially out—and it’s making waves for all the right reasons.
Premiering on World Vitiligo Day, Calico tells the story of Lorrie, a 15-year-old girl with vitiligo on her face and body. Bullied at school and misunderstood by her teachers, Lorrie retreats into a world of comics and imagination—until an unexpected friendship with the school’s mottled goldfish sets her on a magical and emotional journey. In helping the fish escape to freshwater, Lorrie begins to discover her own strength and self-worth, slowly making peace with the skin she’s in.
The lead role of Lorrie is played by Malaysia Newland, who also has vitiligo—and she couldn’t have been a more perfect fit. “I really resonated with Lorrie,” Malaysia shares. “I got my vitiligo when I was 15 and it was a tough journey! I had always been quite a confident girl, but this definitely knocked me. Once you understand and believe that you are unique, beautiful, and actually—others don’t care—it becomes easier to accept the changes.”
That raw honesty is exactly what makes Calico so moving. It’s not just a story—it’s our story. The fear of being different, the journey to acceptance, the quiet courage it takes just to be seen. This film is a celebration of all of that.
Jake Mavity, the film’s co-writer and director, also lives with vitiligo. He shared that Calico was born from his own experience of feeling isolated as a teen. “Vitiligo is only ever seen in fashion advertising where it is presented as an exotic otherness to sell perfume or cloths. It’s high time someone with a physical difference played the hero and Calico is that story.”
Backed by the Vitiligo Research Foundation and The Vitiligo Society, the film is already being praised as a landmark in representation.
“Calico is a gut-punch of truth and beauty,” said Yan Valle of the Vitiligo Research Foundation. “It says what so many of us need to hear—that being different isn’t a flaw, it’s your edge. Launching it on the World Vitiligo Day stage isn’t just an honor—it’s a mission. We’re telling the world: Your difference is your power. Own your story. And never apologize for who you are. The moment you stop hiding is the moment everything changes.”
We couldn’t agree more.
At Living Dappled, we’re always celebrating stories that help women with vitiligo feel seen and empowered—and Calico does just that. Whether you’re just starting your journey or learning to love the skin you’re in, this film is a beautiful reminder: you are not alone. And you are more powerful than you know.
Watch the short film: www.calicofilm.co.uk
Summary
“Calico” is a new short film about a 15-year-old girl with vitiligo who is bullied at school and embarks on an imaginative friendship with a goldfish that helps her find courage in her skin. The film brings representation and depth to vitiligo in a new way, sharing the untold story of the lived experience of vitiligo and the courage it can take to live with it.
