Miss Juneteenth

Turquoise Jones, (Nicole Beharie) a former beauty queen turned single mother, attempts to get her rebellious teenage daughter, Kai, to follow in her footsteps in the Miss Juneteenth beauty pageant. The winner receives a full scholarship to a historically black college of their choice, but Kai is more concerned with her high-school dance team and latest crush. Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance, Channing Godfrey Peoples’ powerful directorial debut is based on her own experience of growing up in Texas, where the pageant is held to commemorate the day emancipation reached the state, more than two years after slavery had been abolished. Miss Juneteenth exudes Texan charm, whilst exploring themes of Black motherhood and the meaning freedom.

‘Channing Godfrey Peoples’ feature debut is a stunning love letter to Southern Black culture.’ - Cheyenne Bunsie, Little White Lies

‘A search for freedom and a sororal spirit pulse through Miss Juneteenth. Calmly navigating the intersections of a Black, working-class, American woman, Peoples ensures care, heart and hope are in every step.’ - Corrina Antrobus, Empire

‘The stuff of dreams.’ - Mark Kemode, The Guardian