Washington, D.C. – In 2013, Angela Patton delivered a powerful TEDWomen talk that showcased a father-daughter dance for incarcerated dads and their daughters. The talk gained immense popularity, garnering over a million views, and ultimately inspired the creation of the documentary “Daughters.” This film, directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae, made its world premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
The documentary follows four young girls in Washington, D.C., as they prepare for the annual Daddy Daughter Dance held in a prison facility. For these girls, the dance offers a rare opportunity to touch and hug their fathers, who are serving long sentences, some as lengthy as 20 years. The film captures the girls’ anticipation and excitement leading up to the dance, while also shedding light on the 12-week program designed to strengthen the bond between incarcerated fathers and their daughters. By challenging harmful stereotypes about prisoners and highlighting the importance of fathers in girls’ lives, the documentary delivers a poignant message.
In an interview with Variety, Patton and Rae discussed their motivations and decisions in creating the film. When asked why the documentary refrained from disclosing the crimes committed by the incarcerated fathers, Rae explained that the focus was on emphasizing the significance of a father’s presence in a daughter’s life, regardless of his circumstances. Patton added that the girls specifically requested the dance because they wanted to demonstrate that their fathers deserved love, irrespective of their past actions. The film aims to convey a love story rather than dwelling on the reasons for the fathers’ incarceration.
One remarkable aspect of the documentary is the unprecedented access the filmmakers obtained to the prison facility. Not only did they capture the emotional dance, but they were also granted permission to film the fathers as they prepared for the event. This inclusivity allowed them to exhibit the transformative power of the program. The decision to film the daughters after the dance, despite the potential difficulty in capturing post-dance emotions, sheds light on the positive impact these events have on the girls’ lives. Patton reassured that none of the girls who had previously participated in the dance regretted it, and the fathers themselves often took steps towards bettering themselves after experiencing the event.
The filmmakers hope that “Daughters” will humanize the incarcerated individuals portrayed in the film. They aim to inspire empathy and understanding, emphasizing the ripple effect that one person’s actions can have on an entire family. Ultimately, they aspire to raise awareness about the limited visitation practices in prisons, which prevents physical touch between family members. The documentary seeks to prompt changes in these practices, ensuring that young people can maintain a personal connection with their incarcerated loved ones.
By screening their thought-provoking film, Patton and Rae wish to spark conversations about second chances, family dynamics, and the need for reform in the prison system. Their aim is not only to continue the tradition of Daddy Daughter Dances in prisons but also to address the underlying issue of restricted physical contact for families. Through their passion and commitment, they strive to make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by incarceration.