Black Cinema Matters

PG Cooper's Vaguely Defined Movies About "The Black Experience"


Daughters of the Dust (Julie Dash, 1991)



Daughters of the Dust has been one of those films that I've wanted to save for ideal viewing conditions since I knew its reputation not just has a landmark in Black cinema, but a film that helped gesture toward a Black cinematic language. As it turns out, my viewing experience was less than ideal as a weak internet connection led to a lot of interruptions in the film's first half. Maybe that's a sign I should have just watched the damn thing instead of waiting for some platonic ideal screening.

Anyway, what is there to say about the film itself? Well, I definitely liked it a lot even if I didn't fully "get it" on a first viewing. Daughters of the Dust is set in 1902 and follows a group of Gullah islanders who have developed their own culture - an extension of their West African heritage - independently on Dataw Island on the Georgia coast. That unique setting goes a long, as it not only provides some beautiful visuals in the Island itself and the culture which has emerged, but also because it allows the film to explore a rather exceptional social milieu. The islanders we follow aren't entirely free of white influence (as Euli's backstory speaks to), but their culture has managed to thrive independently. The conflict in the film comes in a divide from those who wish to remain on the island (represented by elderly matriarch Nana Peazant) and the more modern thinking young people who wish to leave. Then again, describing that as the conflict of the film is a bit misleading as this isn't really a plot driven movie. It's actually more of a hypnotic experience defined by a strong sense of place and absolutely gorgeous imagery. The experience of simply being on Dataw with the characters is the definite highlight of the film.

There is a ton to be said about the film's depiction of heritage and cultural memory. That Daughters of the Dust is narrated by the unborn child of Eula and Eli (who occasionally appears as an apparition) suggests volumes about the ways in which we are the sum totals of our ancestors, as well as how their experiences shape us even if we have no knowledge of them. That said I don't think I'm really qualified to dive into the weeds here, at least not after one viewing. What I will say is Julie Dash's film did largely live up to the hype. I can't say I think it's an unequivocal masterpiece, but it's certainly an exceptional piece of filmmaking worthy of its reputation.

A-