All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is the latest release from independent production company A24. The debut from Tennessean Raven Jackson was first shown at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and then again at the 71st San Sebastián International Film Festival and the 61st New York Film Festival.
All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt: Plot
Jackson, who wrote and directed this interpretation of a Black woman’s life in Mississippi, sculpted it from her own Southern roots. Relying on imagery over dialogue, the scenes flow nonlinearly. The film takes place throughout the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
Protagonist Mack’s (short for “Mackenzie”) life is presented as intertwined scenes. We move through several stages over the years. Scenes of the unexpected death of her mother and the birth of her own child run alongside the passing of generational wisdom. Mack eventually leans into old age and connects with nature.
All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt: Visuals
Raven Jackson tapped Barry Jenkins, who also directed 2016’s Moonlight, to produce the film. Working alongside Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, and Maria Altamirano, it’s possible the film could have the same Oscar glow as Moonlight. Director of Photography Jomo Fray has already been recognized as a rising star in cinematography. 35mm was used to shoot the film.
All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt: Sounds
The aural factor provided by the soundscapes of Miguel “Maiki” Calvo and the score from Sasha Gordon and Victor Magro bring Jackson’s vision to the next level according to The Guardian‘s Adrian Horton.
“From the very first frame, (the film) is alive with the music of Mack’s world, from old records to the rustle of grass underfoot. Crickets, mosquitoes, bird calls, the squish of mud in hand, the various shades of rainfall – Jackson is hyperaware of the ways certain sounds embody nostalgia …”
The A24 feature is coming to theaters on Thursday, November 3.
