Dads And Kids Should Watch Netflix’s ‘Daughters’
Daughters, directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae is a powerful documentary showing the relationship between dads in prison and the daughters they left behind
One of the songs that comes to mind when the subject of a father and child relationship is mentioned is Luther Vandross’s “Dance With My Father,” which would apply to the Netflix documentary Daughters. Directors Angela Patton and Natalie Rae were granted access between four girls and their fathers who were in prison in a DC jail, sharing intimate moments. The documentary was made in an eight-year-span.
Away from their daughters
The documentary zooms into the lives of four fathers and their daughters – Raziah and Alonzo, Aubrey and Keith, Ja’Ana and Frank, and Santana and Mark. All four pairs share their challenges in trying to build a relationship with each other.
The fathers are allowed to be with their daughters through the Date with Dad program. In the program, fathers are given a day to spend time and dance with their kids. Before the program, the fathers go through a program with the help of a life coach named Chad, who instills in them the importance of building a relationship with their daughters.
Meanwhile, the daughters are briefed by Angela Patton, founder of Girls for Change, who explained to them and their moms about the hesitations they may feel in signing up for the program. Angela also heads to the participating dads in prison to give them details about the importance of connecting with their daughters.
As the fathers and daughters prepare for the met-up, each of them were given by the directors a moment in the documentary to share their stories. Aubrey was young when her dad Keith was in prison. She looked forward to the day that she’ll be able to see him.
Santana on the other hand shared the hurt she was feeling while her father was incarcerated. Ja’Ana’s mom on the other hand aired her frustration in the beginning of the documentary that Frank before he was jailed didn’t build a relationship with his daughter.
The heartwarming reunion at the dance
As the fathers and daughters prepare for the dance, all of them go through last minute talks with Chad and Angela. The girls doll up as they had their hair and make-up done, buy dresses, and talk to each other inside the bus. The fathers on the other hand had their suits made.
When the bus finally arrived at the penitentiary, there was excitement, nervousness, and tension. In the father’s minds, how will they react when they see their kids? For the kids, how will they approach and embrace their dads?
The moment the daughters walked towards their dads, emotions were everywhere. Hugs, tears, and warm embraces were exchanged. It was like time stopped and allowed them to be with each other.
As they entered the hallway, the fathers and daughters did not waste their time together as the had conversations and danced to the music. One thing is clear during the conversations they had – the fathers promised to be better for their daughters once they come out.
After the dance, the fathers had a chance to talk with their life coach about the moment. Some of them felt hurt they said that they were not going home with their daughters. But it gave them the motivation to do better once they get out of prison.
The documentary ends with updates of the father and daughter pairs. Some have been able to rebuilt their relationships, others have yet to be reunited.
The powerful story of love between dad and daughter
Incarceration can either break or change someone. In the case of the fathers in Daughters, through the help of the Date with dad program, they find themselves making the change for the sake of their daughters who want to connect with them. Although some worry and fear that they may be a disgraced in the eyes of their little girl, their daughters see it the other way. They like their dads want to be by their side.
Through the program, they get a chance to connect, to talk, and air out the thoughts they were never given a chance to do. Some may take time to forgive but the love between father and daughter is powerful, as proven by the four pairs that the directors and staff of the documentary showed. In the eight years since it was done, relationships were built, visits were made, and some of the fathers were released, holding to the promise they will do better for their kids.
Fathers and daughters, even sons should the documentary because more than forgiveness and building a relationship, it shows the importance of love between a father and a child. Fathers have often been regarded as the strict one and providing for the family. But in the documentary, they are vulnerable and long for the affection of their children. It’s definitely worth the close to two hours on Netflix.
Daughters only gave us a glimpse of the relationships between a dad and his daughter separated. May those who get to see the documentary hopefully be enlightened and hug their dads, knowing that they are fortunate to have him around them as they grow up.
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