This completely brilliant film was the first Julie Dash film I have seen, and if the rest of her work is as brilliant, she is going on my list of all-time favorite directors. While listening to the Gullah language is a bit tricky at first, this is one of those rare films which rewards re-watching with further insights, and new perspectives. It is rare for me to still enjoy a film I've studied in detail after having to pull it to pieces, but Daughters of The Dust is not only still enjoyable, it is breathtaking in the sheer detail present in every shot, the layered symbolism which seems to only uncover more layers as you peel each back. I thought I had become sick of all American film, that all that was left was either formulaic, or pretentious art-house, but this film proves that all wrong. Watch it. More than once! The opening image, of dust blowing out of work-worn hands is an essay in visual poetry in itself!
Review of Daughters of the Dust
