PBS’ POV (Point of View) show is streaming three films about adoption through December 7—including Nicole Opper’s documentary Off and Running, which tells the story of Avery, an African American teen who had been adopted as an infant by two Jewish lesbians. She also has two adopted brothers, one who is black and Puerto Rican, and one who is Korean American.
Searching for her roots, Avery writes to her birth mother. The response shakes her emotions, and the crisis jeopardizes her future in college and track—but the ending is ultimately positive. Her adoptive moms don’t always come across as understanding—but there are lessons to be learned from that, too. The film raises some tough but important questions about family, identity, and race. You can view it free online here.
COLAGE, the organization for children of LGBT parents, is also partnering with POV’s “This is My Family” contest, and encouraging people to send in videos of their family by November 15th for a chance to win an iPad or iPod. All families (not just adoptive) are encouraged to submit videos for the project. Here is a “This is My Family” video montage featuring COLAGE youth Nicole, Moshe, and Nate.
POV explains:
For most of us, the classic family photo with matching sweaters and look-alike smiles doesn’t quite capture our family.
POV wants to hear real stories about your family from you.
Send us your videos, and you might receive an iPad or an iTouch!
Who is your “family”? Maybe your family is your group of friends, or your extended family. You could be an adoptee, an adoptive parent, part of a single-parent family, be an LGBTQ parent or child or a member of a foster family.
Help us expand the definition of “family” by submitting a video – no longer than 5 minutes – to ‘This Is My Family.’ Check out user-generated videos for ideas, or create something completely new!