Among the many excellent films shown at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, one premiere was very special for me — and for many others — as it won the 2024 Audience Favorite Award! I asked director Angela Patton to share some thoughts on her experience as a first-time film director at this premiere film festival. Read on…

As I sit down to pen this blog, my heart still rides the waves of emotions from our recent journey at Sundance. It was a roller coaster filled with moments of anxious anticipation and exhilarating highs.

One of the most profound moments at Sundance was receiving not one but two significant awards — the U.S. Documentary Audience Award and Festival Favorite. This recognition is incredibly special because it reflects the people's voice, not just the jurors. It gives me immense hope, reaffirming my belief that the world has more love than hate. These awards symbolize that a story that resonates with the heart can catalyze change.

Embarking on our project Daughters, we anticipated a significant venture, but nothing could have prepared me for the whirlwind of experiences at Sundance, as forewarned by our producers. The support from the Sternberger Foundation, Ries Family, Capital One, and our crowdfunding donors was instrumental. Watching these families engage with the audience and receive over five standing ovations was magical.

Sundance, however, was more than just a showcase. It became a platform that allowed us to highlight the core work of Girls For A Change. Our forthcoming impact campaign addressing visitation practices in jails and prisons and the Education Fund for the girls in the film mark the beginning of greater things.

Engaging with young film students at the Windrider Summit, sharing insights, and emphasizing the importance of authentic storytelling, especially in representing Black and Brown narratives, was incredibly fulfilling. This interaction re-energized me, reinforcing the power of collaborative filmmaking.

Being the first to screen the Daughters documentary at the Utah State Correctional Facility was a significant highlight. This was more than a film showing; it was a moment of deep connection and powerful feedback from incarcerated individuals, both fathers and non-fathers, who found resonance in our message.

The men's reactions to the film were eye-opening. They spoke candidly about their healing process, regrets, and accountability, highlighting how a program like "Date with Dad" is integral to their journey. Their immediate recognition of the program's impact and their advocacy for its implementation in prisons nationwide was a confirmation that our message needed wider spread.

The honesty and accountability shown by these men were revealing. They expressed their rehabilitation needs and how they're learning to understand the impact of their choices on their loved ones and community members that they harmed. The film provided a mirror for them to see the repercussions of actions taken in moments of uncontrolled emotion.

Incarceration doesn't just impact the individual; it reverberates through families and communities. Our discussion at the facility wasn't just about pain; it was about solutions. The men offered ideas and resources, recognizing the potential benefits of the "Date With Dad" program for themselves, their families, and the facility staff.

This experience at the Utah State Correctional Facility was a poignant reminder of our mission and the far-reaching impact of our work, extending beyond the glitz of film festivals. It reinforced the importance of storytelling as a tool for understanding, empathy, and social change.

As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am more committed than ever to our mission of advocating for change and giving a voice to those often unheard. The road ahead is filled with potential, and I am excited to see how "Daughters" and our continued efforts can contribute to a more empathetic and connected society.

Winning the awards brought a surreal feeling. It was a public acknowledgment that our film resonated with the audience and that the message we were trying to convey was not just heard but felt. These awards are a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to connect, heal, and inspire change.

The bold and inspiring journey continues. With the support and recognition I received, I am more committed than ever to advancing the stories of Black girls through my work. The awards are not just trophies; they are beacons of hope and a reminder that storytelling can truly make a difference in people's hearts, minds, and behaviors.

Thank you, Sundance, and to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey. The ride continues, and I am more committed than ever to the work ahead.

- Angela Patton
Co-director of Daughters
Executive Director of Girls For A Change