This feature length documentary follows the ups and downs in the lives of four same sex parented families each with a child around 11 – 12 years, most in the first year of high school. While it has an overt marriage equality message, including one of the families visiting then Australian prime minister Julia Gillard which included promoting their support for the issue, most focuses on the everyday issues that confront families – getting along with each other, triumphs and disappointments, succeeding in school, at sport and in artistic pursuits. It's all incredibly normal, familiar type situations that just about every parent will relate to.
Of course there are some specific issues that arise from the acceptance, or lack thereof, of their family situation by others; what could or should be done to prevent feared situations arising, minimise hurt and awkwardness, or to come to terms with responses as they arise.
The editing makes a coherent set of stories and the people portrayed mostly seem to have forgotten that the camera is watching. There are some very funny moments, many from the things 11 year olds and their younger siblings say and do. The love, care and attention to detail shine through and make for satisfying viewing.
I think Maya Newell, Charlotte Mars and Billy Marshall Stoneking, the director, producer and executive producer respectively have done a fine job in making an approachable and interesting film from a left of centre topic. It has a message, but lets actions speak louder than words, and reminds yet again that the things that unite us are far more prevalent and important than the things that separate. It appears the film was substantially crowdfunded, with the names of hundreds if not thousands of supporters in random order in the credits.
Of course there are some specific issues that arise from the acceptance, or lack thereof, of their family situation by others; what could or should be done to prevent feared situations arising, minimise hurt and awkwardness, or to come to terms with responses as they arise.
The editing makes a coherent set of stories and the people portrayed mostly seem to have forgotten that the camera is watching. There are some very funny moments, many from the things 11 year olds and their younger siblings say and do. The love, care and attention to detail shine through and make for satisfying viewing.
I think Maya Newell, Charlotte Mars and Billy Marshall Stoneking, the director, producer and executive producer respectively have done a fine job in making an approachable and interesting film from a left of centre topic. It has a message, but lets actions speak louder than words, and reminds yet again that the things that unite us are far more prevalent and important than the things that separate. It appears the film was substantially crowdfunded, with the names of hundreds if not thousands of supporters in random order in the credits.