Presenting Partner
Signature Partners
World Premiere
The Rachel Divide
Documentary Competition
| USA | 100 MINUTES | EnglishDocumentary, Female Director(s)
Rachel Dolezal became infamous when she was unmasked as a white woman living as the black head of her local N.A.A.C.P. chapter. Her unbelievable story issued a direct challenge to the sensitive topics of race and identity, while playing into the age of viral media. Whether she was hated or simply misunderstood, Dolezal touched a collective nerve in the racially charged contemporary, causing her to burst into the public consciousness.
Filming exclusively with Dolezal, her sons, and her adoptive sister Esther, documentarian Laura Brownson delves into the motivations and personal life of this divisive and controversial figure; in doing so, she explores the troubled past that has informed Dolezal’s confusing present and uncertain future. Executive produced by Academy Award®-winner Roger Ross Williams, The Rachel Divide is a fully realized portrait of a life more complex than any tabloid would lead its readers to believe. The film demands the question: Is Dolezal truly “trans-black,” as she describes herself, or is she the ultimate example of white privilege?
—Loren Hammonds
After the premiere screening: A conversation with director, Laura Brownson, executive producer and Academy® Award Winner, Roger Ross Williams, producer Bridget Stokes, and editor, Jeff Gilbert. Moderated by acclaimed director and producer, Lisa Cortes.
Filming exclusively with Dolezal, her sons, and her adoptive sister Esther, documentarian Laura Brownson delves into the motivations and personal life of this divisive and controversial figure; in doing so, she explores the troubled past that has informed Dolezal’s confusing present and uncertain future. Executive produced by Academy Award®-winner Roger Ross Williams, The Rachel Divide is a fully realized portrait of a life more complex than any tabloid would lead its readers to believe. The film demands the question: Is Dolezal truly “trans-black,” as she describes herself, or is she the ultimate example of white privilege?
—Loren Hammonds
After the premiere screening: A conversation with director, Laura Brownson, executive producer and Academy® Award Winner, Roger Ross Williams, producer Bridget Stokes, and editor, Jeff Gilbert. Moderated by acclaimed director and producer, Lisa Cortes.
Cast & Credits
Directed by
Laura Brownson
Laura Brownson's feature documentary debut Lemon had its U.S. premiere at DOCNYC where it won a Special Jury Prize and went on to screen at numerous film festivals and was broadcast on PBS. Before turning to documentary film, Brownson had a substantial career as producer and creative executive in television and narrative features.
Director
Laura Brownson
Producer
Laura Brownson, Bridget Stokes, Khaliah Neal
Screenwriter
Laura Brownson, Jeff Gilbert
Cinematographer
Jerry Henry, Paul Mailman
Editor
Jeff Gilbert
Executive Producer
Roger Ross Williams
Contacts
Print Source
Press Contact
* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
Beacon Theatre
Rush will be offered when advanced tickets for a screening or event are no longer available at venues
other than Beacon Theatre.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.
The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.
