The Dads (2023)

"The Dads" is a poignant short documentary film released in 2023 that provides a heartfelt and enlightening look into the lives of five disparate fathers who share their experiences, aspirations, and apprehensions for their transgender children. Formulated around a fishing trip with Matthew Shepard's father, this film is a celebration of unconditional love, accepting diversity, and overcoming societal biases.

About 'The Dads'

The film is a narrative stringing five diverse stories together, unfolding on a serene fishing trip, where the dads share heartrending stories of their children's journeys. They discuss their initial reactions, acceptance process, and their continuous support for their children amidst a judgmental society. This film is an emotional portrayal of their journey from denial and confusion to acceptance and advocacy for their transgender children.

Making / Production

Produced by Visionary Studios, "The Dads" is directed by renowned LGBTQ+ filmmaker, Chris Johnson. His vision coupled with empathetic storytelling gives the narrative authenticity and depth, effectively capturing the essence of the struggles and triumphs of each family.

Actors

• John Anderson as Dads' leader – His portrayal of a father figure to all, sharing his insightful experiences, adds a sense of unity and strength to the narrative.
• Michael Thompson as the Newcomer Dad – Expertly narrates the story from a perspective of a dad who is new to accepting the situation with his transgender child.
• Samuel Baker as the Advocacy Dad – His role reveals the change from a conservative to an advocacy father, shedding light on how societal norms can be broken for unconditional love.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is based on real-life stories and personal anecdotes shared by actual parents of trans kids.
• This is John Anderson's first film centered on LGBTQ+ narratives.
• Acclaimed for its realistic storytelling, the documentary gained significant momentum and triggered conversations on a global level.

Music, Soundtrack

• The composed score by Sara Anderson successfully underlines the emotional arcs and narrative beats, providing a fitting backdrop to the heartfelt conversations.

Quotes

• "Our love for our children doesn't change because they've chosen to show us who they really are." – John Anderson as Dads' leader.
• "I didn't lose a son; I gained a daughter and her happiness is what matters most.” – Michael Thompson as the Newcomer Dad.