stranger inside
Dunye’s second feature is the story of Treasure Lee (Yolanda Ross), a young African American woman who has moved out of ‘juvenile’ prison to the State Pen in search of Brownie (Davenia Mc Fadden) the mother she never knew. Based on four years of research into the lives of incarcerated women, the film is an authentic study of American prison life in the 21st century. Once again Dunye creatively mixes documentary and narrative filmmaking styles. Also featured are images from Dunye’s collaboration with renowned photographer Catherine Opie.
90 minutes, 35mm, color, sound, 2000.
HBO Films. Unrated.
Yolonda Ross – Treasure
Davenia McFadden – Brownie
Mary Mara – Tanya
Rain Phoenix – Kit
Medusa – Leisha
Ella Joyce – Doodle Alderidge
Conchata Ferrell – Mama Cass
Lee Garlington – Warden Arnold
LaTonya ‘T’ Hagans – Shadow
Marc Vann – Nelson
Almayvonne – Scar
Karina Logue – Fran
Emily Kuroda – Min
Cheryl Dunye – Director, Screenwriter
Effie Brown – Producer
Jim McKay – Producer
Michael Stipe – Producer
Nancy Schreiber – Cinematographer
Cecily Rhett – Editor
Aisha Coley – Casting
Creteil International Festival of Women’s Cinema; Audience Award
London International Lesbian and Gay Film Festival; Best Feature Award
Best Director Nominee; Independent Spirit Awards
Los Angeles OUTFEST; Audience Award
San Francisco International Film Festival; Audience Award
Philadelphia Film Festival; Audience Award
Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival; Special Jury Award