Channing Godfrey Peoples’ hugely entertaining indie drama is a timely reflection on the challenges of upward mobility for Black women in the US.
Miss Juneteenth is no ordinary beauty pageant. The winner of the coveted crown not only plays queen for a day in this Texan African American community, she is given the choice of any Black academic institution in the US to attend for her future education. It’s a chance for whoever wins the trophy to make something of themselves in the wider world. Turquoise Jones (Nicole Beharie) won years before, but made mistakes that she’s determined her daughter will not repeat when she wins. Because Turquoise is in no doubt she will. Unfortunately, Kai (Alexis Chikaeze) and her mother don’t view the world in the same way. Writer-director Peoples maintains a light touch in exploring the issues facing Black women in the US, creating a perfect indie comedy-drama with a welcome edge.
★★★★ “Perfectly formed heartbreaker from the debut director Channing Godfrey Peoples” - Kevin Maher, The Times
★★★★ “A mellow, tender-hearted portrait of motherhood” - Clarisse Loughrey, The Independent
★★★★ “A fluent, nuanced movie” - Danny Leigh, Financial Times
★★★★ “For anyone who values diverse storytelling, Peoples’ portrait of a hardworking woman on the up is a tale of hopefulness – and a reason to hope in itself.” - Ellen E Jones, The Guardian
