The first feature directed by a Black woman filmmaker to receive a wide release, Daughters of the Dust struck a chord with both critics and audiences when it first opened in 1991. At the dawn of the 20th century, a multi-generational family in the southeastern Gullah community—former West African slaves who adopted many of their ancestors’ Yoruba traditions—struggles to maintain their cultural heritage and folklore. Julie Dash’s debut feature is a lyrical, visually stunning work of art (those in its debt include Beyoncé’s Lemonade), a landmark of American independent film, and a powerful exploration of ancestral fidelity in the face of assimilation. Initially restored for the film’s 25th anniversary, with proper color grading overseen by cinematographer Arthur Jafa, audiences will experience the film exactly as Julie Dash intended.
Daughters of the Dust
Monday, Feb 23
7:00Showtimes updated on Tuesday evenings
Legend
OCOpen Captioned
Special Content
35mm
SFSensory Friendly
This film is part of the Immigration Nation series.
Daughters of the Dust
1991. 112 m. Julie Dash. Cohen Media Group. United States. English. Rated NR.
Tickets: $11 (members), $16 (nonmembers)
"One of the best of all American independent films."
"Daughters has a gorgeous, overwhelming sense of place. It is almost startlingly beautiful, blessed with deep fiery hues and a poetic sensibility. It is a film made stronger by its belief in itself, and it challenges its audience to believe also."
This film is part of the Immigration Nation series.
The Jacob Burns Film Center is proud to receive generous support from:
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