CENTERPIECE: LOVE, CHAOS, KIN

An unexpected pregnancy compels an Indian immigrant mother to help her adopted twin daughters reconnect with their White birth mother—grappling with life’s challenges—and estranged Native American father, exposing raw class divides while transforming their understanding of identity and belonging.

The CAAM-funded film emerged from director Chithra Jeyaram (Foreign Puzzle) and her desire to adopt. The film weaves together observational scenes, animated sequences, and reflective thoughts. It also unpacks the concept of open adoption, revealing the persistent ongoing effort needed to build authentic relationships between the children, birth, and adoptive parents regardless of race, class, or geographic location. This is a CAAMFest Centerpiece Documentary presentation.