Screening followed by moderated discussion with Deborah Whaley, Professor of American Studies, University of Iowa.

“It is a mysterious, fabular and sometimes dreamlike film with its own theatrical poise. At times it reminded me of Chekhov, or maybe a performance of Shakespeare's Tempest." - Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian

“In the hands of director Julie Dash, this nonlinear film becomes visual poetry, a wedding of imagery and rhythm that connects oral tradition with the music video. It's an astonishing, vivid portrait not only of a time and place, but of an era's spirit."
- Rita Kempley, The Washington Post

“A film of spellbinding visual beauty." - Stephen Holden, The New York Times

At the dawn of the 20th century, a multi-generational family in the Gulluh community on the Sea Islands off of South Carolina - former West African slaves who adopted many of their ancestors' Yoruba traditions - struggle to maintain their cultural heritage and folklore while contemplating a migration to the mainland, even further from their roots.

Julie Dash's landmark film, the first wide release by a black female filmmaker, was met with wild critical acclaim and rapturous audience response when it it opened in 1991. Casting a long legacy, Daughters of the Dust still resonates today, most recently serving as a major influence on Beyonce's video album Lemonade.