Private Project

Policing Joy

A cinematic conversation about Black girls' experiences with hair bias in schools.

  • Tracey Renee'
    Director
  • Tracey Renee'
    Writer
  • Danielle Apugo
    Writer
  • Tracey Renee'
    Producer
  • Danielle Apugo
    Producer
  • Afiya Mbilishaka
    Key Cast
  • Angela Patton
    Key Cast
  • Valerie Slater
    Key Cast
  • Dr. Yaba Blay
    Key Cast
  • Dr. Faye Belgrave
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    August 30, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    20,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tracey Renee'

Louisiana Native Tracey Renee' is a writer and director who creates timeless art reflecting real stories about real communities. When Tracey is not creating or teaching, she uses her voice and platforms to address social justice issues. Tracey received her B.S. in theatre studies from Northwestern State University of Louisiana and her MFA in film from Howard University.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As an educator for six years, and a student for 20 years, I have 1st hand experience with hair discrimination within school systems rooted in Eurocentric culture. I know what it's like for my hair to be treated as a spectacle and labeled as a distraction. I have watched administrators who have no connection with Black Girls sit in positions and enforce culture erasing policies to make themselves feel more at ease around Black culture and to groom Black children for "professionalism" and "acceptance."

On the other hand, I have also experienced spaces where my Blackness was loved, accepted, and celebrated. These spaces were my home, family reunions, community outreach programs, and amongst my friends. These spaces taught me how to love my aesthetic despite the constant micro-aggressions and counterproductive images in the media that told me otherwise. Unfortunately, it is 2022, and we are still fighting to pass legislation to cease hair discrimination within schools and the workplace. The American educational system can be oppressive to Black students, specifically Black girls, and their voices need to be heard. Policing Joy is a love letter to us and, most importantly, a resource for showing up for our girls. This documentary will celebrate, educate, and give a solution without leaving the audience traumatized.