Film Information

Now part of Library of Congress's National Film Registry!

A film of spellbinding visual beauty and brilliant resonant perfomances, Julie Dash's Daughters Of The Dust has become a landmark of independent film. With great lyricism, Daughters tells the story of a large African-American family as it prepares to move North at the dawn of the the 20th Century. Using this simple tale, the film brings to life the changing values, conflicts and struggles that confront every family as they leave their homeland for the promise of a new and better future.

In addition to this emotionally charged epic drama, Daughters Of The Dust explores the unique culture of the Gullah people, descendants of slaves who lived in relative isolation on the Sea Islands off the Georgia coast. As the generations struggle with the decision to leave, their rich Gullah heritage and African roots rise to the surface.

Amongst a score of extraordinary performances are Cora Lee Day as Nana, the matriarch of the Peazant clan, Alva Rogers as Eula, who has been raped by a white landowner, and Barbara-O as Yellow Mary, a woman of the world who has come home "ruint" from Cuba.

Daughters Of The Dust is an African-American treasure; a vitally important work by a major directing talent.

• "A film of visionary power! An unprecedented achievement in terms of world cinema and African aesthetics." - Greg Tate, The Village Voice
• Two Thumbs Up! A haunting film rich in visual beauty. A mystical examination of what it means to honor and cherish family." - Siskel and Ebert, At the Movies.
• ****Spellbinding! Exuberantly African-American and altogether extraordinary."- New York Newsday