Daughters of the Dust

1991, Julie Dash

Discussion Questions

1.What is the significance of the title "Daughters of the Dust"? How does it relate to the themes?

The word "daughters" implies a connection to family, heritage, and lineage, while "dust" symbolizes the passage of time, impermanence, and change.

2. What are some of the messages of the movie, and how do they resonate with contemporary audience?

Some key messages include the importance of preserving cultural heritage, the power of female strength and unity, and the complexities of personal and communal identity. The film highlights the struggle of the Gullah people as they decide whether to maintain their unique culture and traditions or assimilate into mainstream American society. Through the experiences of the Peazant family, the movie also emphasizes the essential role of women as keepers of tradition and bearers of cultural knowledge. These themes are relevant today as people continue to grapple with issues of cultural preservation, identity, and the role of women in society.

3. What is the significance of the film's setting on the Sea Islands, and how does it contribute to the film's themes and mood?

The Sea Islands, located off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia, are home to the Gullah people, descendants of enslaved Africans who maintained their cultural traditions and language more effectively than those in other parts of the United States. The isolated nature of the Sea Islands allowed the Gullah community to preserve their distinct culture, and this setting serves as a visual representation of that cultural richness.