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SUNSHINE offers a refreshingly rare glimpse on the current day transformations taking place within the American family. Filmmaker Karen Skloss explores her own unplanned pregnancy and decision to keep the child as a single mother. Twenty-three years prior, Skloss’ biological mother faces a similar dilemma, choosing to give birth secretly in a Catholic home for unwed mothers through a closed adoption.
 
Woven together from more than 10 years’ worth of intimate family interviews and stylized essay-like moments, Sunshine is a compelling and uniquely crafted portrait of an adopted woman driven to search for her pride and identity while connecting with her biological mother.

Sunshine eloquently portrays just how much our attitudes toward motherhood and family dynamics have changed over the past several decades.
Beverly Jenkins-Crockett
Feminist Review

I was fascinated in a way I have not been before by the use of film to tell a personal, human-sized story. I was moved to tears.
Molly Remer, Social Worker MSW, CCCE

Sunshine places Skloss' intensely personal stories of adoption and single parenting in the context of America's rapidly changing understandings of family, parenthood and sexuality from the 1960s to now. The film will spark discussion among viewers with diverse interests, from adoption advocates to policy wonks to movie lovers, and generational perspectives, from grade-schoolers to grandparents.
Arthur Knight, Boyd Associate Professor of English and American Studies, The College of William and Mary

Sunshine provides an important revelation of the histories, reticences, and worries, as well as glories and triumphs, of changing perspectives on single-parenting. This is a genuinely innovative and touching film which deals admirably and tenderly with everyone.
Janet Staiger, Professor of Women's and Gender Studies, University of Texas at Austin

Skloss' life could be the premise of a Lifetime original movie if Lifetime original movies were interesting.
David Hudson
IFC

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AWARDS & SCREENINGS:

• Nationally Broadcast on PBS’s Emmy Award Winning Independent Lens Series
• World Premiere, South by Southwest Film Festival
• American Adoption Congress
• Citizen Jane Film Festival
• Telegraph 21 curated film