Amber Akaunu

'Agudas' explores filmmaker Amber Akaunu's emotional journey after exploring her family history and making the discovery that her ancestors were enslaved. Amber uses poetry, animation, and video to make sense of the conflicting feelings of hate and gratitude. The book 'Afro-Brazilians' by author and academic Niyi Afolabi is featured throughout the film as it was a significant reference in Amber's research around Nigeria and Brazil's intertwining history.

A teenage girl visits her grandmother to get her Afro hair done, something that takes hours and requires rituals filled with patience and care. Drawing on her own experience, filmmaker Amber Akaunu captures an intimate moment that celebrates a central part of many black women’s lives.