The Grand Illusion

A lyrical, decades-spanning exploration across a woman’s life in Mississippi, the feature debut from award-winning poet, photographer and filmmaker Raven Jackson is a haunting and richly layered portrait, a beautiful ode to the generations of people and places that shape us.

“CRITIC’S PICK! Exquisite use of close-ups, fluid editing and a deeply observant sound design renders [protagonist] Mack’s story tactile but also poetic, making plain that the salt here is the stuff of tears, the stuff of sorrows and of joys.” Lisa Kennedy, New York Times

“All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt is a treasure of community, a bold depiction of Black life, and a sumptuously crafted piece of personal storytelling.” Robert Daniels, The Playlist

“The directorial debut of the year… A film that feels like a world come alive—or, rather, two worlds, Jackson’s inner one and the outer one of shared experience.” Richard Brody, New Yorker