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Dolapo Is Fine
By Polly Conway,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Teen girl deals with hair stereotypes in lovely short film.
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Dolapo Is Fine
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What's the Story?
Dolapo, a Black student at a British boarding school, hopes for a career in the finance sector. However, her assigned advisor, also a Black woman, advises her to immediately change her natural hair if she wants to be taken seriously. Dolapo's White bff doesn't quite get it, and even her parents tell her that her afro simply has to go. Will she embrace her natural curls or stick with the wig everyone seems to think is the best idea?
Is It Any Good?
This poignant film begins with a long closeup of a Black girl's natural hair. Daisy, the advisor, starts out looking like an ally, as she doesn't want Dolapo to minimize herself with a nickname, but then bluntly states that her Afro is too much for the finance world. When Dollop (as she likes to be called) looks for help from her best friend, she doesn't understand: "My hair's curly too, and I don't need a wig." The film deftly shows Dolapo' struggle; she buys products, watches YouTube tutorials on how to get her hair "presentable," and ultimately debuts a straight wig at a school presentation. It goes terribly wrong but gives Dolapo the insight that she doesn't need to conform, and she's ultimately rewarded for bravely being herself. That's a lot to pack into 15 minutes, but Dolapo is Fine handles this big subject in a way that teen viewers will definitely relate to.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about hair. Have you ever been judged by the style or texture of your hair? Or judged someone else? Why do you think that some people think that natural Black hair, including afros and dreadlocks, isn't "professional?"
Dolapo gets a lot of pressure from other people, including her own family, to change. How does she show bravery and integrity as she makes her choice?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 22, 2020
- On DVD or streaming: February 3, 2021
- Director: Ethosheia Hylton
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Black directors
- Studio: Apatan Studios
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 15 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: May 12, 2022
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