Director
Julie Dash
Leading Actors/Actresses
Cora Lee Day, Barbara-O, Alva Rogers
Supporting Actors/Actresses
Kaycee Moore, Tommy Hicks, Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Adisa Anderson
Genre
Drama
Language
English
Awards
Sundance Award for Cinematography
Date of Release
January 1991
Producer
Lindsay Law, Julie Dash, Arthur Jafa, Steven Jones
Setting and Context
Ibo Landing, a Gullah island off the coast of Georgia, 1902
Narrator and Point of View
Narrator: sometimes Nana, but mostly the Unborn Child
Tone and Mood
Magical, Dramatic, Atmospheric
Protagonist and Antagonist
Protagonist: Eula, Mary, Nana; Antagonist: Haagar
Major Conflict
The major conflict in the film is that some people want to leave the island and integrate with modern society, while others, particularly Nana, do not. The other conflict is that Eli is upset because his wife Eula was raped. Additionally, there are interpersonal conflicts between Yellow Mary and her more conservative peers.
Climax
The climax occurs when the family fights on the eve of the departure.
Foreshadowing
Much is foreshadowed by narration. Time is not linear in the film.
Understatement
Innovations in Filming or Lighting or Camera Techniques
The film's approach to narrative was innovative, in that it jumps around and follows a more circular trajectory. Another innovative element is the fact that Julie Dash was the first black female filmmaker to have her movie receive a general theatrical release in the U.S.
Allusions
Allusions to Gullah culture, Hoodoo, magic. Also allusions to the Bible and Christianity.
Paradox
Viola puts herself in paradoxical situations in that she loves and supports her family, but has chosen Christianity. Thus, she is caught between supporting those she loves and "sin."
Parallelism
Nana and the Unborn Child are parallel with one another in that they are the oldest and youngest, which connects them spiritually. Additionally, Eula and Nana share many attributes, and identify with one another.
