Raising Renee

2011
1h 21m

IMDb RATING

7.8/10

YOUR RATING

Painter Beverly McIver was enjoying a skyrocketing career when she promised her mother Ethel that she'd take care of her sister Renee, who is mentally disabled. Years later, following Ethel's death, that promise came due. Filmed over the course of six years by Oscar(R) nominees Steven Ascher and Jeanne Jordan, RAISING RENEE is marked by drama, humor and unexpected twists. The film explores themes of race, class and disability and provides a complex view of a unique group of women, the tenacity of family bonds and the transformative power of art.

Play trailer2:14

1 Video

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Biography Documentary Family History

RAISING RENEE begins in 2003 as Beverly McIver is savoring opening night of her first solo art show in New York. An accomplished painter and winner of major awards, her career was skyrocketi... Read allRAISING RENEE begins in 2003 as Beverly McIver is savoring opening night of her first solo art show in New York. An accomplished painter and winner of major awards, her career was skyrocketing. She flew in her mother Ethel, a maid from Greensboro, North Carolina and her sister, R... Read allRAISING RENEE begins in 2003 as Beverly McIver is savoring opening night of her first solo art show in New York. An accomplished painter and winner of major awards, her career was skyrocketing. She flew in her mother Ethel, a maid from Greensboro, North Carolina and her sister, Renee, 43 who is mentally disabled and functions at about the level of a third grader. Year... Read all

Directors
- Steven Ascher
- Jeanne Jordan
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.8/10

YOUR RATING

Directors
- Steven Ascher
- Jeanne Jordan
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 2 wins & 1 nomination total

Videos1

Trailer 2:14

Raising Renee

Photos

Featured review

10/10

Great artist but an even greater story...

Bev McIver is a gifted and talented artist. She is also an inspiring teacher to her students. However, the most interesting component of this story is the devotion to her family and the special relationship with her sister Renee. This film provides a direct view into the personal life of one of America's great living artists. It is a superb documentary with all the components one would hope for in a film: complex characters, unique story, compelling plot, emotional connection, beautiful images. Highly recommended as one of the better documentaries I have seen in years. Furthermore, it provides great insight into the challenges of living with and caring for an adult person with disabilities. The story ends on a very high note as well, which makes it even more enjoyable a view.