Own the rights?
Especially given that it only runs an hour, this documentary defied my expectations by digging deeper into its subject matter than most documentaries with a personal component do. I guess I was anticipating that this movie would be a glossy celebration of gay men who choose to raise (and in states where it's legal, adpot) children; while that movie would have served a purpose, it also would've been largely preaching to the converted. Instead, _Daddy and Papa_ smartly anticipates questions people critical or undecided about gay adoption would raise about the practice, and also refuses to steer away from stickly questions as they arrive. Director Symons and his partner speak openly about their own experiences with adoption, and many other children, foster parents, grandparents, birth parents, and gay parents are also interviewed. The impact of gay parents "divorcing" is discussed, as are the specific difficulties that arise from gay white men raising (presumably) straight African-American children, the feelings these childrens have regarding not having a mother, and the way these parents handle widespread perceptions that gay men raising children must face pedophilic temptations. In doing so, _Daddy and Papa_ ends up much more credibly championing its subject matter. In the end, the most indelible impression I was left with is how happy and extraordinarly articulate most of these children seem.
You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.
