Name: Daddy and Papa
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2002-01-11
Duration: 57 min
Rating: 7.7
Cast: Johnny Symons

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.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)

Daddy & Papa explores the lives of gay men who have made a decision that is both traditional and revolutionary: to raise kids themselves.

The Biggest Movies and TV Coming in September

See which big screen releases you can watch from the comfort of your couch.

Theatrical Releases Coming to Streaming

See who dazzled on the red carpet and took home gold at the 78th Primetime Creative Emmy Awards.

Daddy and Papa

Photos

Cast1

User reviews5

Related interests

Storyline

Top picks

Details

Tech specs

Contribute to this page

More to explore

Recently viewed