DAUGHTERS OF THE DUST
A film review and history by Manish Malhotra
Copyright 1992 Manish Malhotra
There have been a couple of reviews saying two very different things about this film. It seems many people don't know the history of the film, so I decided to post this. This article contains information about the film, its history, and a small review.
There was a special screening of this film at the University film theater at Duke. Before the movie started, there was a brief introduction about the history of this film and why it was made. The film tells the life of people of an African tribe. Years ago, they were brought as slaves to America. Many members of this tribe still live in islands off the east coast near South Carolina and Georgia. They have preserved the original customs despite the fact that few miles across the ocean lies America, with a culture totally different!
These people have lived peacefully since the beginning of the century. However, their existence is now threatened due to encroachment on these islands (I don't remember exactly what, perhaps commercial construction and tourism development.) The film is supposed to bring awareness to the American society of what these people stand to lose if that process continues. A court case is going on regarding this dispute of land of those islands. There is an organization that is fighting for the rights of these people and survives on charity money. The director (I think a woman) had many difficulties obtaining funding for the film. It took her almost twelve years to complete the film.
The language spoken in the film is the language that these people speak. I think it is English mixed with their original language. I would rather call this film a documentary. Personally, I did not like the film. It is a very poorly made film and sustains the interest for a while only because of its beautiful photography. Oh! I hate to think that natural beauty of these islands would be spoiled because of commerce. Another problem I had with the film was its length. It is just too long for what it is trying to say. The plots don't even have to be there. My feeling is that the director wanted to make a documentary but for the reasons of collecting money (for the same organization), she tried to make it more commercial by adding loose plots of which she did a very poor job. After half an hour of the film, the audience begin to expect some plot to develop. But all the plots are left partially developed.
If you decide to see this film, don't expect a film but think of it as a documentary. If you believe in helping this organization, then think of the ticket money as the charity. Enjoy the beautiful photography and gain some insights into the culture of one of the African tribes.
- Manish
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