Films & Events

A cinematic masterpiece and the first feature directed by an African-American woman to receive a theatrical release in the United States, Daughters of the Dust is an evocative exploration of culture, identity, and generational change. Written, directed, and produced by Julie Dash, the film received critical acclaim for its lush cinematography, poignant storytelling, and the beautiful use of the Gullah language, immersing audiences in the lives of a South Carolina island family at the dawn of the 20th century.

Set in 1902, Daughters of the Dust follows the Peazant family, a community of Gullah islanders, as they prepare to leave their ancestral home on Saint Helena Island to migrate North. The film weaves a tapestry of familial love, tension, and spiritual connection, told through the eyes of an unborn child, whose voice guides the narrative. As the family contemplates whether to leave behind their traditional way of life or embrace the modern world, themes of cultural preservation, survival, and the painful legacies of the past come to the forefront.

The film made its debut at the Sundance Film Festival in 1991, where it garnered praise for its visual beauty, with Arthur Jafa winning the top cinematography award. Dash’s direction was heralded for its groundbreaking approach, and Daughters of the Dust was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2004 due to its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. In 2016, the film was restored and re-released for its 25th anniversary, further cementing its place as a crucial part of American cinema.

With its rich, non-linear narrative and emphasis on oral history, Daughters of the Dust continues to resonate as a powerful celebration of African heritage, the female experience, and the complexity of migration and identity. It stands as a testament to Julie Dash’s unparalleled vision and an essential film in the history of American independent cinema.

1991. 112 min.

Rated PG.