Foster

About Foster

"Foster" is a 2019 documentary film directed by Deborah Oppenheimer and Mark Jonathan Harris, focusing on the often-misunderstood world of foster care. The narrative follows the lives of various individuals, from caseworkers to foster families and children, illuminating the struggles and triumphs inherent in the foster system.

Making / Production

"Foster" was produced by Participant Media in conjunction with HBO Documentary Films. Directors Harriss and Oppenheimer had previously won an Academy Award for their film "Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport". They embarked on creating "Foster" with the aim of shining a light on the complexities of the U.S. foster care system.

Actors

• Earl Billings as Judge Stephen Goorvitch: Old and wise, Billings brings an aura of both stern justice and empathetic understanding to his administrative role.
• John Brooks Jr. as Himself: A former foster child, Brooks provides a heartfelt and moving depiction of the difficulties experienced by those inside the foster care system.
• Jessica Chandler as Herself: As a caseworker, Chandler reveals the challenging, yet vital work that goes into protecting and improving the lives of children in care.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Foster" is the first feature-length documentary specifically about the Los Angeles foster care system.
• HBO premiered "Foster" on its platform in whole on May 7, 2019, after a successful first screening on April 7, 2019, in Sarasota Film Festival.

Quotes

• "We might not have it all together, but together we have it all." - Jessica Chandler.
• "These kids are not bad kids. They're kids that bad things have happened to." - John Brooks Jr.

Music, Soundtrack

• The poignant and affecting score of "Foster" was composed by Gary Lionelli, who also worked with Oppenheimer and Harris on "Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport".