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 We are overjoyed to announce a significant milestone for our team and community: "Daughters," a heart-touching documentary co-directed by Angela Patton (Founder and CEO of Girls For A Change - GFAC) and Film Director Natalie Rae, has been officially selected for its grand premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, one of the most acclaimed film festivals globally!

This news marks the culmination of an eight-year creative and emotional journey inspired by Angela's impactful TEDWomen talk. 

The Sundance Film Festival, renowned for its celebration of cinematic excellence, presents the perfect platform for "Daughters." This selection symbolizes a monumental achievement for Angela, Natalie, and all those involved in bringing this compelling story to life, reflecting the dedication and passion that has fueled this project's conception.

The Essence of "Daughters"

"Daughters" offers an insightful glimpse into the lives affected by mass incarceration, focusing on a unique initiative that merges dance, touch, and celebration to bridge the gap between imprisoned fathers and their daughters. The documentary also follows fathers through a transformative 12-week program, preparing them for an emotionally charged reunion.

About our Campaign

Our fundraising efforts are focused on enabling our cast, crew, and their families to experience Sundance firsthand. It's an ambitious task, but we believe they deserve to see the film's premiere, enjoy the after-party, and have the full red carpet experience.

Why Your Support is Vital

Sundance is much more than a film festival. It's a vibrant gathering of community, with powerful learning and networking opportunities. We're excited to have Aubrey, Santana, Raziah, Ja’Ana, their families, and the GFAC team join us at this event. Their roles have been crucial to our documentary, and their attendance will make our Sundance experience even more special. They, indeed, are the heart of our film's story. Sundance is where groundbreaking works are premiered; year-round, the Institute supports unique voices in independent storytelling. We're dedicated to bringing our families and team to the Sundance Film Festival, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of this incredible community and celebrate their contributions.

The financial aspect of making this happen is significant. 

We’re calling on the community for support to help cover the costs of travel, accommodations, daily meals, preparation stipends, and festival tickets, ensuring an affordable, smooth, and enriching Sundance experience for all.

A Perk for Your Generosity

To express our gratitude for your support, we have special raffle items for different levels of donations. Your support, whether it's through financial contributions or by sharing our story, is invaluable to us and the families portrayed in our film. Every donation, no matter the size, helps bring us one step closer to making Sundance 2024 an unforgettable experience for the "Daughters" team.

Our Background Story

Date With Dad Weekend grew from the hearts of adolescent girls in GFAC’s signature program, Girl Action Team. The goal was to reconnect with their fathers on their own terms to better solidify the father/daughter relationship. The girls wrote to a local sheriff and asked if daughters could spend a special afternoon with their incarcerated fathers to enjoy “a dance of their own.” Former Sheriff C.T. Woody, at Richmond City Justice Center, said “yes,” and so “Date with Dad Weekend” was born. 

Designed to take place within a correctional facility, participating fathers dress in semi-formal attire for a date with their daughters, with no physical barriers between them. They enjoy a meal, live comedy, games, a dance, and other activities aimed at father-daughter bonding. 

To prepare for this meaningful event, fathers, mothers/guardians, and daughters participate in community healing circles led by trained facilitators. These sessions build up to a culminating celebration, aimed not just at enhancing the bond between fathers and daughters, but also at strengthening family relationships as a whole, reinforcing the family's unity and resilience.

This impactful program was the topic of a TEDWomen Talk given by the CEO of Girls For A Change, Angela Patton. Years later, Film Director Natalie Rae discovered her TED talk, felt an immediate connection to its message and impact, and reached out to tell the story. Natalie and her crew attended one of these dances and followed four very special families through the process. Eight years later, here we are, premiering a film at Sundance Film Festival.

Thank you for your generosity and support. Together, let's make the 2024 Sundance Film Festival a truly memorable event for everyone involved in "Daughters." Please make your donation today – time is of the essence, and every moment counts in bringing this vision to life.