Directed by award-winning documentary filmmaker and clinical psychologist, Dr. Gillian Scott-Ward, Back to Natural reveals the shocking truth about hair, politics, and racial identity in Black communities and beyond. Filmed in the US, France and South Africa, this documentary is a powerful call for healing that takes a grassroots approach to exploring the globalized policing of natural Black hair, universal aspects of the Black experience and the “New” Natural Hair movement.

This film, which inspired NYC to develop guidelines protecting citizens rights to wear their natural hair in school and at work, is a unique blend of entertainment, history, social justice and healing. It’s director, Dr. Scott-Ward, says of the film “It’s never been more critical to have films that help us understand ourselves and our communities through a compassionate lens. It’s all too common, globally, for students to be kicked out of school and adults to be prohibited from employment because of their hair! It seems crazy to say but this is a hidden phenomenon that most people outside of the Black community have no idea about!”

The issue of Natural hair has never been hotter. Many jurisdiction outside of NYC including California have been proposing bills to protect our rights to wear our natural hair. People are understanding how deep this issue is and how prohibitions impacts Black people’s daily lives.

Back to Natural has been screened at over 30 film festivals all over the world, including in North America, South Africa, Ghana, The Netherlands, France, and England. It had its television debut on RevoltTV in May 2019. The live screenings in Brooklyn will give the audience a chance to meet the
director to talk about the issues.

Back to Natural will screen Saturday August 17th to Tuesday, August 20th at Stuart Cinema & Cafe in Brooklyn, New York. Stuart Cinema, owned by Emelyn Stuart, is dedicated to supporting independent filmmakers.

There will be a red-carpet & reception on opening night, Saturday, August 17th, starting at 7:30pm with the screening beginning at 8:30pm. You can see also Back to Natural on Sunday, August 18 th at 3pm, Monday, August 19 th at 6pm & Tuesday, August 20 th at 6pm.

More about Back to Natural.