The Rachel Divide

Examining racial identity through Rachel Dolezal's controversy

Watch on Netflix
About The Rachel Divide

Released: 2018

Platform: Netflix

Rating: TV-MA

Run time: 1h 44m

Cast

About The Rachel Divide

Explore

About

The Rachel Divide is a biographical documentary TV show released in 2018. It explores the life and aftermath of Rachel Dolezal, a former civil rights activist and NAACP chapter president who was exposed for misrepresenting her racial identity. The show delves into the controversy surrounding Dolezal's racial claims and its impact on her personal life and activism.

The documentary provides an in-depth look at Dolezal's motivations and the complexities of racial identity, touching on themes of privilege, racism, and cultural appropriation. Through interviews with Dolezal, her family, and critics, the show sheds light on the personal struggles Dolezal faced as she navigates the aftermath of her public revelation.

The Rachel Divide offers a thought-provoking exploration of racial identity in contemporary society and raises important questions about authenticity, self-perception, and the impact of social media on public perception.

Making / Production

The Rachel Divide was directed and produced by Laura Brownson. Brownson gained access to Dolezal and her family, allowing for an intimate portrayal of their lives and perspectives. The documentary was a result of three years of filming and follows Dolezal through significant events in her life, including her book release and public appearances.

With a focus on storytelling, the documentary combines interviews, archival footage, and observational footage to provide a comprehensive narrative of Dolezal's experiences before and after the controversy. The Rachel Divide offers viewers a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the documentary, showcasing the challenges of presenting such a complex and controversial subject.

Actors

  • Rachel Dolezal - Portrayed herself and shared her personal journey.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

  • The Rachel Divide premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2018.
  • Rachel Dolezal's controversial racial claims sparked significant media attention prior to the release of the documentary.
  • The documentary received mixed reviews, with some praising its exploration of race and identity, while others criticized it for giving a platform to Dolezal's perspectives.

Awards

No awards have been reported for The Rachel Divide.

Quotes

  • "It's more than just looking a certain way. You have to live it and be it in your soul." - Rachel Dolezal
  • "I acknowledge that I was biologically born white, to white parents, but I identify as black." - Rachel Dolezal

Music / Soundtrack

  • The documentary features an original score composed by XYZ.
  • The soundtrack includes various songs that complement the narrative and emotional arcs in the documentary.