Appropriate for: High School College/University
Special Features:
Closed Captioned.
Browse Films
Tell a Friend
Daddy & Papa is a one-hour documentary video that opens a candid window on the personal, cultural and political implications of gay fatherhood. From surrogacy, foster care and interracial adoption to the complexities of gay divorce and the legal battles around gay parenting, Daddy & Papa presents a revealing look at some of the gay fathers who are breaking new ground in the ever-changing landscape of the American family.
The film utilizes an accessible, first-person narrative to create an intimate portrayal of gay dads, following the filmmaker and his partner on their rocky, and sometimes amusing, journey to parenthood. Along the way, we meet other gay dads: a single father confronting the isolation of raising at-risk kids in a gay and largely childless neighborhood; a healthcare worker battling Florida state law to adopt the child who for five years has called him "Dad;" and a couple and their nine-year-old daughter, whose biggest problem is not that her parents are gay, but that they are divorced. Daddy & Papa takes an unflinching look at some of the complex issues surrounding gay fatherhood, including the effect of sexual orientation on children, the challenge of white gay men raising African American kids, the changing relationship of gay fathers to the gay community and the real impact on children of being raised without a mother. In the process, it reveals a new picture of what it means to be a family.
For tips on facilitating a community forum, information on adoption and foster care, an overview of legal issues and more, download our 8-page Discussion Guide from the Study Resources section.
Inspirational!
Stephen Holden
The New York Times
Splendid ... Students from a variety of social science disciplines would greatly benefit from seeing this delightful video, including psychology, sociology, government, anthropology, gender studies, sexuality studies, and policy studies. I will use 'Daddy & Papa' for years to come.
Ritch C. Savin-Williams, Professor of Developmental Psychology, Cornell University
With emotional intelligence, humor, honesty, and courage, 'Daddy and Papa' brings to life the rich social and racial diversity and challenges of gay parenting. This artful, heart-full documentary should be mandatory viewing for every family judge, social worker, educator, mental health professional, policy maker, and neighbor.
Judith Stacey, Professor of Sociology and Gender & Sexuality, New York University
The controversial subject of gay adoption gets thorough and sympathetic consideration...(in) this thought provoking film.
Booklist
Wise, honest, and provocative, this intimate look at the state of gay fatherhood at the dawn of the 21st century is highly recommended.
Video Librarian
AWARDS & SCREENINGS:
- NATIONAL EMMY NOMINATION, Best Documentary
- AUDIENCE AWARD FOR BEST FILM, Orinda Film Festival
- OUTSTANDING DOCUMENTARY NOMINEE, GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards
- BEST DOCUMENTARY AUDIENCE AWARD, Portland Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
- BEST DOCUMENTARY AUDIENCE AWARD, 1st Runner-up, Seattle International Film Festival
- BEST DOCUMENTARY AUDIENCE AWARD, Florida Film Festival
- BEST FIRST PERSON DOCUMENTARY, Golden Gate Award, San Francisco International Film Festival
- BEST DOCUMENTARY, Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
- BEST DOCUMENTARY, Dallas OUTTakes
- BEST DOCUMENTARY, North Carolina Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
- BEST DOCUMENTARY, Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
- BEST FILM, Runner-Up, Cleveland International Film Festival
- BREAKING THE MOLD AWARD, Newport International Film Festival
- DOCUMENTARY MOST LIKELY TO CHANGE THE WORLD, Detroit Docs Films Festival
- PBS NATIONAL BROADCAST, Independent Lens, 2003
- GRAND JURY PRIZE NOMINEE, Sundance Film Festival
- OFFICIAL SELECTION, INPUT (International Public Television) Conference, Aarhus, Denmark
Visit the official website for Daddy & Papa
buy film
