Abstract
The documentary “Because We Are Family [BWAF]” emerged out of filmmaker Chithra Jeyaram’s desire to adopt. Can foreign-born immigrants adopt in America? How will they preserve their language, culture, and religion and manage to raise a child in a culture adjacent to their birth culture? While adoption is a global experience, the majority of adoption films prioritize white perspectives, overlooking multi-layered identities and perspectives. BWAF challenges the predominant narrative and delves into the complexities of a foreign-born immigrant’s adoption experience and the challenges faced by the adopted twins as they navigate their multifaceted identities - White, Brown, and Indigenous. It also presents a nuanced portrayal of the agency and resilience of their low-income, white birth mother. The film weaves together observational scenes, animated sequences, and reflective thoughts, presenting the complex experiences of mothers and daughters navigating their identities and relationships while remembering they are still a family irrespective of how they got there. The film also explores how multiculturalism in the US can both foster inclusion and create alienation, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. In today’s deeply divided America, which operates in secluded echo chambers, BWASF invites us to empathize with those whose experiences differ from our own. This presentation utilizes scenes from the film to unpack these themes and facilitate a deeper understanding of the multifaceted realities of transracial adoption.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
KEYWORDS
Transracial Adoption, Foreign-Born Immigrant Adoptive Parents, Multiculturalism, Identity Family, Film
