“Like most Black women, I would say that the women in my family are complicated,” says one of the characters featured in “In Our Mothers’ Gardens.” Set to premiere May 6 on Netflix, Shantrelle P. Lewis’ documentary celebrates Black women and Black families by exploring the complicated bonds between mothers and daughters. “She is who she is, and because of who she is, I am who I am,” one interviewee says in a new trailer for the film.
Lewis’ film debut also examines the “immediate and critical importance of self-care, and the healing tools necessary for Black communities to thrive,” according to its official synopsis. The spot sees #MeToo Founder Tarana Burke observing, “I think that Black women often aren’t exposed to the idea that healing is possible.”
“In Our Mothers’ Gardens” had its world premiere at the 2020 BlackStar Film Festival, where it won the Shine Award for Best Film. Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY Releasing acquired the doc this April.
In addition to Burke, “In Our Mothers’ Gardens” features interviews with cultural critic Dr. Brittney Cooper of Rutgers University, Rev. Dr. Theresa S. Thames of Princeton, and NPR’s Senior Director for Programming Yolanda Sangweni, among others.
