By Sarah Roebuck
Corrections1
WASHINGTON — A heart-wrenching documentary that follows inmates who bond with their daughters while behind bars has recently debuted on Netflix, earning a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The documentary, titled “Daughters,” features Aubrey, Santana, Raziah and Ja’Ana as they get ready for a special dance with their incarcerated fathers, who participated in a unique fatherhood program at a Washington, D.C. facility, according to Netflix’s description of the film.
The Date with Dad program brings together dance, touch and celebration that break through the prison walls. The documentary highlights the emotional toll of separation. In order to attend the dance, the inmates had to complete a 12-week Fatherhood Training Program, preparing them for the emotional journey of the dance.
This powerful documentary, an eight-year project by filmmakers Natalie Rae and Angela Patton, has captivated viewers, earning praise on Rotten Tomatoes.
“I can say this was the best documentary I’ve ever watched. Incredibly powerful. I was engaged and emotional the entire way through. The way the documentary was shot played a huge part in the way the film makes you feel. I can’t say enough about how moving this film was. Just wow. It definitely deserves an award if it hasn’t already received one,” one audience reviewer wrote on Rotten Tomatoes.
“Absolutely amazing. If this isn’t filmmaking at its best I don’t know what is. One of the most moving documentaries I’ve seen in years. Whoever was behind the camera work is a genius. Just unbelievably moving. No idea till watching it that the U.S. prison system allowed such little visitations,” another audience reviewer wrote.
The directors aimed to highlight the challenges families face in staying connected with incarcerated loved ones, TIME reports. Many inmates are denied in-person visits and are limited to communicating with their families through video chat.
Research indicates that recidivism rates today are high, TIME reports. One study reveals that 82% of individuals released from state prisons are arrested at least once within their first 10 years of freedom. During a fatherhood therapy session after the dance, it’s suggested that programs like this could help reduce those numbers.
“Daughters” won the Festival Favorite and Audience Awards at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
