Daughters of the Dust is a 1991 independent film written, directed, and produced by Julie Dash. The film takes place in 1902 on a barrier island called Saint Helena, off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. It centers around the Peazant family, who are part of the Gullah community, descendants of enslaved Africans.
The film showcases the unique Gullah culture, which is a blend of African and European traditions that has been preserved on the Sea Islands for over three centuries. The Gullah people have their own language, cuisine, music, and religious practices that are rooted in their African heritage.
The story follows the Peazant family as they make preparations to leave the island and move to the mainland, where they hope to build a new life for themselves. However, the family is torn between their desire to maintain their cultural traditions and their aspirations to assimilate into American society.
Daughters of the Dust also explores the complex relationships within the Peazant family. The film examines the generational and gender divides within the family and how these differences impact their decision-making.
The film has been praised for its visual style and lyrical storytelling. It was the first feature film directed by an African American woman to receive a wide release in the United States. In 2004, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".