Analyzing The Film Daughters Of The Dust

The film Daughters of the Dust, directed by Julie Dash, follows a small Gullah community on Ibo Landing, and the importance of upholding family traditions. The community on Ibo Landing has created its own culture, away from white America, focusing on Nana Peazant and her family. At the film's beginning, the audience is introduced to Nana Peazant’s granddaughter Yellow Marry, who is viewed as rebellious among her family, and Viola, a devoted Christian, returning from the mainland. From there, the film introduces Eli and Eula, who are expecting to have a child, as well as the other Peazant family members. The film continuously follows Eula’s unborn child, who is the narrator for the majority of the film and is seen with family members around

These scenes capture the joyful and tragic moments of the Peazant family, furthering one of the themes of the movies which are memories. The light colors in the clothing and background act as a reminder of everything that took place on the island and the culture that was created there. We can see these reminders throughout the film, such as the color indigo appearing throughout the film. Nana’s indigo-stained hands remind us of when she used to be a slave, and the indigo bow that Eula’s unborn child wears also serves as a reminder. Throughout the film, Julie Dash also has Nana wear an indigo dress which also symbolizes the use of indigo when she was still a slave. These memories serve as reminders of the past and the history the Peazant family experienced on the island, as well as a reminder of how they were able to overcome these struggles and are used for empowerment. It also serves as a strong connection between the family members of today along with members of the past. Incorporating these symbolic items within the film contributes to the idea of keeping the memories of the people before them alive and acknowledging what they experienced to get to where the Peazant family is