Back to Natural: A Documentary Film
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Back to Natural: A Documentary Film
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Back to Natural: A Documentary Film explores the links between hair and identity within Black global communities. Slurs include the "N" word, criticism of hair choices by kids and teens, verbal bullying, and references to a dying grandparent. Images include Black women as sexually objectified people, racist caricatures of Black women's bodies, an illustrated magazine cover of First Lady Michelle Obama carrying a rifle, an African slave with scars from being beaten, and drinking and smoking. Featured positive messages are the celebration of cultural diversity and that it's OK to be different.
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What's the Story?
BACK TO NATURAL: A DOCUMENTARY FILM looks at the history of Black hair and self-identity in BIPOC communities. Directed by Black clinical psychologist Dr. Gillian Scott-Ward, the documentary was inspired by her work and filmed within the United States, France, and South Africa. The documentary features interviews with experts on topics that include why Blacks are often discriminated against globally because of the way their hair grows naturally.
Is It Any Good?
This thoughtful and engaging documentary delivers a thorough chronicle of Black hair history and its global social impact. For South African actor and model Roxanne Kalie, it would be hair that would help partially define her teen years. "I'm in the 10th grade, I decided not to go to the salon," she says in Back to Natural: A Documentary Film. But Kalie painfully recalls, "I was made to sit on the floor next to my teacher's feet because she thought that I was trying to attract attention to myself…. This was me finding myself." Others remember getting their hair straightened often for an appearance acceptable by White mainstream society. As an excellent teaching tool for kids, teens, and adults about learning to embrace who you are and welcome diversity, Back to Natural: A Documentary Film is the real deal!
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the communication by the cast in Back to Natural: A Documentary Film. How do they also demonstrate courage , perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Why may it be important for Blacks to celebrate their natural hair? Why do you think there is a social bias toward BIPOC women because of their hair?
Should kids and teens be expelled from school for wearing certain hairstyles? Why or why not? How can kids and teens learn to feel good about their natural hair?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: August 16, 2019
- Cast: Roxanne Kalie, Toby Thompkins, Beverly Tillery
- Director: Gillian Scott-Ward
- Studio: Dreamscape Media
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- Run time: 65 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 3, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Good Hair
Funny, smart docu is OK for older teens.
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Barbershop
Engaging ensemble comedy has some salty language.
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Barbershop 2: Back in Business
Great message delivered in an edgy hip-hop movie.
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