By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4 cats
Director: Channing Godfrey Peoples
Starring: Akron Watson | Alexis Chikaeze | Kendrick Sampson | Lori Hayes | Nicole Beharie
Country: united_states
Year: 2020
Running time: 99
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11394158/reference
Michael says: “MISS JUNETEENTH tells the story of Turquoise, a mother whose dreams fell short of reality after winning the Miss Juneteenth pageant which offered her a scholarship to any historically black college of her choice. Now she wants her just about to turn fifteen year old daughter, Kai, to follow in her footsteps, right down to reciting the same poem, in order to win the Miss Juneteenth pageant and fulfill the promise that she squandered. Also in the picture is a husband, and father to Kai, who is separated from Turquoise, and alternatively helps and hinders her progress in getting what she needs for her daughter, and also just to keep the lights on. There’s also a mother, a woman of God, who also has her own vices, and didn’t support her daughter the way Turquoise is trying to support Kai. But is Turquoise supporting Kai, or just forcing her into a position where she can become a surrogate for the success that Turquoise missed out on. It’s never stated, but it’s evident that part of what caused Turquoise to falter was surely the birth of her daughter. It’s a powerful story, that wraps up a little too neatly, but between the strong screenplay, the deft direction, and the natural and effective acting, MISS JUNETEENTH is a real winner.
“It’s hard not to think about MISS FIRECRACKER, when watching MISS JUNETEENTH, absent the wacky, eccentric Southern humor. The promise of success based on a flimsy event that is born of tradition, but woefully outdated, and the pressure to fulfill someone else’s dreams when they are not your own. I also thought of THE NEW YEAR PARADE, about something very regional that had great meaning, and a strong sense of place, something MISS JUNETEENTH does really well for Texas. Channing Godfrey Peoples does a fine job with her debut feature-length films, after cutting her teeth on a series of shorts.. She clearly knows how to bring out some terrific performances, both from seasoned actors, like Turquoise’s Nicole Beharie (AMERICAN VIOLET, SHAME) and first-timers, Alexis Chikaeze, in her strong film debut. Also featured, Lori Hayes, as Charlotte, Turquoise’s mother, who does a great job in a tough role. The funny thing about Lori Hayes, that I just discovered? Her only other film credit is Sally Chin, the sole African American contestant in MISS FIRECRACKER! How about that? Grounded in reality, and exploring themes we can all relate to, MISS JUNETEENTH even channels a little bit of SUPPORT THE GIRLS, as Turquoise works hard in a dive bar, doing all she can to build a better life for her daughter. 4 cats“