“Daughters”

The touching and deeply moving “Daughters” is a documentary about rehabilitation, forgiveness, and the love between fathers and their little girls. This film is an exercise in empathy and features candid, eye-opening discussions from inmates and their families, painting an honest portrait of the impact their incarceration has on everyone.

Part of a unique fatherhood program in a Washington, D.C. jail, the special Daddy Daughter Dance is rapidly approaching. In the documentary, several young girls prepare for the event. There’s nervousness, excitement, and even tinges of anger from these kids, and co-directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae wisely let their cameras roll and capture the moments as they unfold. It’s candid and eye-opening, especially the level of maturity that’s expressed by these girls who are living with absent fathers.

The film is a celebration of the strength of these kids as they find a positive way to invite their fathers into their lives, but on their own terms. All different ages and personalities, the interviews they give are honest and raw (and sometimes skeptical and angry). There are joyous moments but also ones of disappointment and heartbreak. The tears and smiles when the families are reunited will hit you, and the film helps tackle stereotypes about the typical “black dad in jail.” Patton and Rae use their film to show that these are men who have made mistakes, acknowledged that fact, and are trying. (One of the most impressive statistics presented is that 95% of inmate fathers in the “Date With Dad” program have never returned to jail. What an accomplishment).

The empathetic story includes what happens to these parental relationships when the dads finally do get out on parole (some are, unfortunately, given longer sentences). It’s an awkward, difficult, and sometimes confusing time as they get to know each other, navigating a changing relationship and new phase of life. You really do hope for a bright future for everyone involved.

“Daughters” is a documentary that can change perspectives with its humanizing sentiment. It also gives a lovely look at the loving bond between a daddy and his little girl.

By: Louisa Moore