Just two days ago, Richard Brody wrote in the New Yorker that the theatrical-release model is ultimately a detriment to independent cinema. As one of his primary examples he invoked “Daughters of the Dust,” which in 1992 became the first feature film directed by a black woman to receive a national release. Even so, Julie Dash’s drama remains obscure — though Beyoncé alluding to it in “Lemonade” has certainly gotten people discussing it this week. In timely news, Cohen Film Collection has announced that it will release a new restoration of Dash’s long-neglected film this fall.
READ MORE: Who Directed ‘Lemonade’? The 7 Filmmakers Behind Beyoncé’s Visual Album
The restoration and release come as “Daughters of the Dust” celebrates its 25th anniversary. (It first premiered at Sundance in 1991.) Tim Lanza, Vice President and Media Archivist for Cohen Film Collection, said in the announcement that the film “is a powerful and moving work of art that showcases an important period in America’s history. We are thrilled and honored to be able to celebrate the talented Julie Dash and to bring this film to theaters across the country for a new audience to see.”
READ MORE: Sundance Film Festival to Screen ‘Daughters of the Dust’ and ‘Reality Bites’
Dash, meanwhile, added, “I’m excited about the restoration of ‘Daughters of the Dust’ being made available to the public and delighted to have the opportunity to engage with a new generation of people who have never seen the film.” No release date has been set.
For more, watch the “Selma” trailer:
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