Episode 117: Julie Dash's 'Daughters of the Dust' (1991)

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Her Head in Films

TV & Film


In this episode, I'm talking about Julie Dash's 1991 film Daughters of the Dust. This is a dreamlike film that focuses on the Peazant family who live on the sea islands off the coast of the Carolinas. They gather together for one last time on the eve of their departure from the island. It's a stunning cinematic achievement that looks at the bonds of family, the ghosts of history, and the rich lives of African American women. Dash has the distinction of being the first black woman to direct a feature film that was distributed in movie theaters. I talk all about this gorgeous film, including the grueling process of getting it made and I use an interview between Dash and feminist scholar, bell hooks, as a roadmap through the different themes and subjects that the film explores.  There are spoilers in this episode.Consider making this podcast sustainable by supporting it on Patreon.Subscribe to the Her Head in Films Newsletter.Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.Original logo by Dhiyanah HassanFull show notes:Beyonce's LemonadeBlack Lives MatterMy episode on MoonlightMy episode on Losing GroundCane RiverHale County This Morning, This EveningJust Another Girl on the I.R.TEve's BayouAgnes Varda box setThree Colors Blue box setMy episode on VagabondMy episode on Cleo from 5 to 7My episode on The Gleaners and IGullah Gullah IslandJames Van Der Zee"Why Are There So Few Black Directors in the Criterion Collection" (The New York Times)Milestone FilmsKinoMerchant IvoryJoaquin SorollaDee ReesAlison SaarMy Sources:Daughters of the Dust blu-rayDaughters of the Dust: The Making of an African American Woman's Film by Julie Dash, bell hooks, Toni Cade Bambara"Julie Dash to Direct Angela Davis biopic" (Women and Hollywood)