Back to Natural 2019

     This film takes an emotional and realistic look into the subject of hair, politics and identity in black communities.  It is a call for healing that takes a grass roots approach to natural black hair.  In this day and age, natural styles are taking over the world by storm!!  Gillian Scott is a New York City based Clinical Psychologist.  The premiere of this film was in South Africa at the Mzansi Women’s film festival in August of 2018.  This festival is a platform for women filmmakers to show case films about and for women.  
     Scott is continuing to apply to and attend film festivals globally.  She wants to get a message of understanding, strength and healing out into the world.  She is also organizing a college/community center tour to bring the film to different communities.  She is offering a strength-based, healing workshop where viewers can more deeply explore their experiences with hair.  Also, to learn concrete strengths in the face of adversity.  This isn’t about getting everyone to be natural.  It’s about giving black people more choices about how they live and present themselves in the world.  Parents of black children have a choice not to expose their children to toxic hair straightening chemicals.  These substances are connected to cancer, reproductive issues and other serious health conditions.  There is a need for support in their ability to accept themselves, feel positively connected to their race and their success in academics and work.  I found the information in this film to be thought provoking and very interesting.  5* (I really liked this film)

75 min, Doc directed by Dr. Gillian Scott-Ward with Okema Moore.  

Note:  Rotten Tomatoes, 96% critic with 74 critics 97% audience with 160 ratings, Roger Ebert 2 1/2* Monica Castillo.
Special Note:  Filmed in New York City, Philadelphia, Paris and Cape Town, South Africa. 

Special Note:  The Mzansi Women's Film Festival began in Johannesburg in 2014.  It is held the first weekend In August, Women's Month in South Africa.  It seeks to be the premier women's film festival on the continent of Africa.