Video Recommendations

There are literally hundreds of films with adoption-related themes; however, those listed here are the ones you might want to buy, the ones to be watched and enjoyed over and over - not just rented for one-time viewing. Some may be available only through one source, and some may be excellent choices for support groups, educators, and adoption professionals.

1) "The English American" (CD)
Recorded live at The Court Theater in Los Angeles (1999), English comedian and adoptee Alison Larkin uses her own search and reunion with her American birthmother as the topic of this hysterically funny 70-minute one-woman show. While this is technically listed as an audio book, it's a recording of her live stage presentation. Adult language.

2) "The Lost Child" (Video)
A Hallmark Hall of Fame original film (2000), this true story of a Jewish adoptee's discovery of her Navajo heritage is a powerful work that explores adoption and interpersonal issues, as well as these two strong cultures. Not rated.

Read the Reviews at Amazon.com

4) "Losing Isaiah" (Video)
A strong story of conflict and resolution very much in tune with today's issues of addicted babies, transracial adoption, and birthmother rights. The book is out of print and hard to find, but the video is available. Jessica Lange, Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson. Rated R. (1995)

3) "Precious Cargo" (Video)
Originally aired on November 11, 2001 (PBS), this remarkable film is being made available on video. The story follows a group of young Vietnamese adoptees on a homeland visit, and includes information on Operation Babylift. The film is both political and intensely personal. Purchase for non-commercial educational use only.

5) "Secrets & Lies" (Video)
The phrase "secrets and lies" is commonly used in the adoption community to mean sealed records, shame, guilt, or fear. But the secrets and lies of this remarkable film go far beyond and take us into the very real - and very human - failure to communicate that marks so many family relationships, adoptive and not. Rated R. (1996)

6) "In The Sun: A Complete Guide to Adoption" (Video)
If reading isn't your first choice, here's a "how to adopt" video. It includes information about the various types of adoption, children (ages, domestic, international), legal and financial considerations, delivered via a series of conversations with couples and comments by adoption professionals. Not rated.

7) "Unlocking the Heart of Adoption" (Video)
This documentary, filmed over the course of several years with input from families around the entire spectrum of adoption, is intended to educate, encourage dialog, and raise awareness. An excellent choice for educators and adoption professionals, as well as our families. Not rated.
Read Filmmaker Interview

8) "Seven Core Issues of Adoption" (Video)
Sharon Kaplan and Deborah Silverstein discuss the issues of loss, rejection, guilt and shame, grief, identity, intimacy, and mastery/control with an audience of triad members. Excellent choice for support groups and adoption educators. Not rated.

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