Angela Patton, the CEO of Girls For a Change and founder of Camp Diva Leadership Academy, initiated a program in Richmond, Virginia, over a decade ago to create a daddy-daughter dance for girls with incarcerated fathers. The concept was inspired by a 12-year-old Black girl. The idea gained attention after a TEDWomen talk in 2012, leading to the co-directors Natalie Rae and Angela Patton collaborating on the documentary “Daughters.” This film, executive produced by Kerry Washington, showcases the journey of four girls reuniting with their fathers for a dance in a Washington, D.C., jail. “Daughters” offers insights into the girls’ lives at home and the therapy sessions the fathers participate in, portraying a poignant narrative of fractured relationships and healing.
Rae highlighted the importance of listening to young women’s wisdom, particularly in this case where a young girl proposed the impactful initiative. Both filmmakers aimed to depict the story from the girls’ perspectives, emphasizing the value of fathers to their daughters even amid challenges. Trust and understanding were crucial in filming, as Patton, who has a long history of working with Black families, emphasized the significance of co-creating with the community to foster trust.
The relationship-building extended beyond filming, with Rae forming lasting bonds by spending time with the families in various settings. “Daughters” seeks to evoke emotions and raise awareness about the impact of incarceration on families, underlining the significance of physical contact during visits between fathers and daughters. The filmmakers aspire for the documentary to inspire viewers to cherish family connections and perhaps reach out to their own fathers with a simple expression of love.
The film is set to stream on Netflix, delivering a powerful narrative that not only tugs at heartstrings but also serves as a catalyst for change, shedding light on the importance of familial bonds in challenging circumstances.
