“We are strong, and we can make it with your help.” This is the final line of Ask Us Who We Are. With those words comes the end of a heartfelt interview style documentary film from Kingdom Productions about the state of the Vermont foster care system.
Don’t let the subject matter of foster care fool you, this isn’t your normal foster care documentary. It does start that way however, you are trained into the recollection of some aged out foster kids and their stories of anguish and difficult upbringings. The typical tales of alcohol, mental, verbal and physical abuse set against the backdrop of emotionally charged music set the tone for the film.
Vermont is nationally known for its diversity and the film stays true to that diversity. Where most films would have been content to settle for a couple hours of stories from former foster kids and their stories of woe, “Ask Us Who We Are’ takes a stunning left turn. Interviews with foster parents, natural parents, kinship providers, same-sex foster parents and foster care officials are in the spotlight, giving the film a multidimensional look at the whole foster care process.
In all other foster care films the experiences are one dimensional, sharing with the viewer just one perspective. What stands out about “Ask Us Who We Are” is that all sides lend to the story. Gaining the perspective of the foster and natural parents was truly an eye-opener. These voices are generally not heard in films regarding the foster care system. A natural parent’s perspective is a rarity, the honesty with which these particular natural parents tell the story of how they lost their children is even more impressive. Gaining the vantage point of the foster parent when a new child enters their home and the steps that are needed to make the transition are points of view that the audience is rarely privy to.
Adding to the “behind the curtain” feel of the film is another rare feature. The film nonchalantly introduces a same-sex couple, this could be a bit of a shock for those who don’t know or haven’t interacted with a same-sex couples. But only seconds after appearing on screen even the most sheltered viewer can see the normality of the situation and the genuine care that is given to the children fortunate enough to be placed in their home.
A poignant scene plays out as a mother explains her spiral into drug use. So articulately she describes her downfall and ascension that the viewer becomes enthralled in her struggle and shares in her victories. That is what a film like this should do, it should raise awareness without sounding preachy and it should compel the viewer to act. So delicate is the balance of information and compassionate insight that the film teeters the line at times but always returns to its’ structure.
The film moves on with more testimony from those kids who went through the system. Their stories are the stories of thousands of foster kids across the country dealing with the change and transitions that accompany a foster care experience. These well spoken foster care alumni share tales of walking into a new home, the solitude that can create along with shock of such a sudden change in circumstance. The viewer gains a sense of relief when realizing the resiliency these kids showed coming out from their experiences well adjusted.
Many more voices of natural parents, foster parents, social workers and survivors of the system fill the screen and the viewer becomes increasingly invested in their struggles and triumphs. Audiences will surely be impressed by the certainty with which the cast of the film relays their situations. The feeling that you are in the courtroom or walking into a new foster home with these individuals is almost inevitable, making the viewer a part of the film.
A crucial component to the feel of the film is the consistency of quality music to add to the emotionally charged subject matter. The wrong choice of music could have led to a change in mood and ultimately left the viewer confused. Director Bess O’Brien spent a considerable amount of time in the editing room fine tuning her work, that time spent is reflected in the final project. Like any quality documentary an urge to do something, make a difference become part of the movie is the goal. Goal accomplished; as this movie is sure to be part of conferences, independent living classes and training courses all across the country. Walking away, the audience will feel they too are strong and if they help foster care it will just be the beginning of the journey.
Owner/Editor - Chris Chmielewski