Braids and Bows: A Heartfelt Story of Self-Discovery

Never be afraid to be yourself.

Braids and Bows is a 2024 short film directed by Liberty Joy. The story follows a sheltered tween as she begins to question the rigid beliefs imposed on her by her overbearing mother. With the help of a newfound crush, Evelyn-Grace takes a small but meaningful step toward self-expression.

I watched Braids and Bows at the third annual Lois Weber Film Festival at the Capital Theater in Arlington. The film made me (including several other audience members) smile at its impactful and optimistic story. Young audiences need films like this, especially right now. The film explores themes of identity, the power of choice, and the quiet courage of rebellion.

Gwen Danae (Evelyn-Grace) and Trinity Johnston (Amira) were magnificent in their roles as the girls. Evelyn-Grace hasn’t had a chance to freely explore her identity, having been fed her mother’s beliefs. Danae and Johnston depicted an impactful relationship that will hopefully inspire others their age.

Casting for the girls’ roles was somewhat challenging. Originally written as younger, Danae and Johnston’s strong auditions changed the age range. The girls auditioned for both roles, bringing different interpretations to each character.

It was their chemistry that ultimately landed them the final roles in the film. The friendship between the girls is so sweet as they chuckle in church, make one another colorful bows, and encourage self-expression.

Natalie Joy and Dave Bodenbender play Evelyn-Grace’s parents. Her parents don’t see eye-to-eye, restraining their daughter’s mind. The actor's natural abilities fell right into place at auditions. “Both of them brought something really special to their roles that made the family feel authentic,” said director Liberty Joy.

Liberty Joy graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Media Production from Marymount Manhattan College. Her previous projects include directing films like Wild Roses, Echoes of Skylines, Dinner with Demons, and more. She is driven to create diverse films with character-driven narratives and unique perspectives that strive for meaningful conversations.

Braids and Bows was shot in two days in Austin, TX using two sets. They filmed in a small, local church that fit the story’s tone. I really liked Evelyn-Grace’s bedroom. Set designers went all out to make it resemble a 2000s girl’s dream room. The room represents her personality.

Filming was on a tight schedule and limited resources. Joy’s main challenge was capturing nuances in the performances. The cinematography and editing felt personal, capturing up-close and intimate shots of Evelyn-Grace’s perspective.

Trust is Joy’s main rule of thumb as a director. “Trust that (the actors) know the vision and will help bring it to life.” In the two months of pre-production, Joy helped Danae and Johnston build a natural relationship.

Braids and Bows drew inspiration from writer Beck Farris’s personal journey with her sexuality. Evelyn-Grace and Amira’s conversation about what her parents think of gay people is based on a real exchange Farris had with a friend from her church. The result of said conversation was a beacon of light knowing she’d always have a friend to accept who she was.

She thanks Joy for presenting a pivotal moment in her life. “(Braids & Bows) is a film about realizing who you are, and learning to love that person, even if they aren’t who you thought you’d grow up to be,” Farris said.

Joy and Farris’s favorite scene is Evelyn-Grace cutting her hair short. Ignoring how her mother would feel symbolizes Evelyn-Grace’s reclaim of her own identity.

When the short ended, I could feel the whole auditorium smiling. is a beautiful story to help all audiences feel seen.