To Dye For: Two Dalton Parents Blend Art with Activism

When Dalton, Georgia couple Brandon and Whitney Cawood began interviewing families whose kids’ health had been negatively impacted by synthetic food dyes, they weren’t aspiring filmmakers chasing a big idea. They were the concerned parents of two children who had also been negatively affected by dyes, and they wanted answers. Why were food dyes, which were strongly suspected to adversely affect health and behavior, still allowed in the food supply? Why was the food dye industry given a pass, while millions of kids suffered in silence?

To Dye For, the Cawood’s feature-length documentary, began as their personal investigation into the effect of food dyes on their own and other children. It soon found an audience in other parents, activists, and legislators, resulting in a global community and new laws banning the use of food dyes. Perhaps no one is more surprised than the Cawoods themselves, who watched their personal cause grow into a movement, and themselves grow into leaders at the intersection of art and activism.

From Parents to Filmmakers

While Brandon Cawood had built a career in photography and video production, Whitney worked as a teacher, and then transitioned into marketing. They were not filmmakers or advocates by trade; but their career choices proved instrumental to the creation and marketing of their message.

Aware that other children were also suffering the effects of food dyes, the Cawoods began seeking out likeminded parents and interviewing them about their experiences. They soon realized they had the making of a documentary on their hands. But with no budget for outside crews or production houses, they were forced to lean into their own skills: Brandon shot the b-roll and the reenactments, created the graphics, and even composed the soundtrack. He narrated the film from the perspective of a parent-turned-investigator. Meanwhile, Whitney used her marketing knowhow to build an audience, promote the film, and manage partnerships and outreach. Incredibly, they worked nights and weekends on the project while maintaining their day jobs.

“If you are willing to work hard and stay creative, you can make something meaningful even with limited resources,” says Brandon. “We believe those limitations made the film even better because we had to problem solve in creative ways.”

The couple’s hometown of Dalton played a key role in the project. Much of the b-roll was filmed locally, and the community showed early and enthusiastic support. The Cawoods also worked tirelessly to build an online movement. Over two and a half years, they grew their social media presence to nearly 100,000 followers, and their dye-free Facebook group to more than 900,000 members.

Art With a Purpose

The Cawoods were determined that their film, To Dye For, not feel like a lecture. Instead, they aimed for a visually stunning, emotionally resonant story that balanced science with lived experience. Parent testimonies are woven throughout the narrative, breaking up the data and grounding the film in the human experience.

“We wanted the film to be visually beautiful and deeply personal so that it would connect with people on an emotional level. At the same time, it had to deliver a powerful message that could drive real change,” they say.

Since its release, To Dye For has helped push legislation forward in multiple states, including Utah and West Virginia, where policymakers credited the documentary with influencing new food dye laws.

“It has been surreal to see ourselves morph into advocates fighting against big industries with deep pockets, and coming out victorious on the other side.”

The Cawoods don’t see themselves as strictly artists or activists, but as a blend of both. They say they drew inspiration from activist models like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, which began with just a handful of people and went on to drive national change. They also studied other documentaries and filmmaking podcasts to learn about production, distribution, and audience-building.

“We see ourselves as storytellers using our creative gifts to fight for something that matters. That balance is what gives To Dye For its impact.” By wrapping a scientific issue in a visually striking, emotionally human story, the Cawoods have given audiences—and lawmakers—something they can’t ignore.

Brandon and Whitney Cawood’s story is an inspiring story of wit, determination, and creativity that demonstrates the transformative potential of art in service of a cause.

Or as they put it themselves: “It’s art with a purpose.”

-By Dana Shavin, Creative Arts Guild Literary Arts Coordinator