Description

Emmy-nominated filmmaker Stephanie Wang-Breal’s third feature documentary (after WO AI NI (I LOVE YOU) MOMMY and FROM INFIRMITY TO FIRMNESS) follows two parents, Hannah in New York City and Patrick in Seattle, as they navigate the American child welfare system to put back together their families. The film includes intimate interviews and rare audio and visual recordings of family court proceedings that allow the viewers to grasp the challenges of a government program striving to strike a balance between protecting children and empowering parents to create safe families.

What does it mean to be a good parent today, and what are the obstacles? How do issues of class, prejudice and education factor in? We watch as Hannah and Patrick work through a harrowing maze of conferences, advocates and attorneys, court hearings and weekend pickups and drop-offs, all while trying to make changes to their lives that are required to get their kids home. In the end, viewers will find themselves wondering if this system is really doing the best it can for families and children.

– Phuong Vuong

Expected Guests in Attendance:

Stephanie Wang-Breal (Director): March 15 and March 17 screenings

Co-Presenter: 3rd i

Credits

Executive Producer: Sally Jo Fifer, Simon Kilmurry, Cynthia Lopez
Producer: Ursula Liang, Stephanie Wang-Breal, Carrie Weprin
Cinematographer: Nadia Hallgren, Nate Miller
Editor: Mary Manhardt, Colin Nusbaum
Music: Tyler Strickland
Cast: Natalya Brown, Patrick Brown, Hasna Siddique, Phillip Toribio

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