Emmy award-winning filmmaker Luchina Fisher first directed The Dads in short form in 2023. Now expanding her vision into a full length feature for SXSW Film, The Dads depicts the various narratives of fathers with transgender and non-binary children over the course of a year as the nation becomes overrun with conservative legislature and rhetoric. Full of memorable and insightful dialogue, the paternal figures we’re introduced to throughout the course of the documentary all stem from a myriad of backgrounds and cultures. While some might have had more knowledge and recognition of transgender experiences, all are committed to the same goal; continuing to learn from and love their children.
Meeting together at an annual retreat in Maine, the dads not only thrive on playing sports (including but not limited to hunting and fishing), but also expressing their most vulnerable fears, concerns and utmost love for their children and families. Several of the men in the documentary essentially came to deconstruct what it means to be a man, as told by Jose who grew up in a very conservative and traditional household. Others knew very little regarding the nuances and experiences of gender non-conforming individuals, as told by Stephen who used to make fun of those in society who didn’t identify on either side of the gender binary. These transparent and honest accounts from these father-figures build a layered and fully fleshed scope of the inner and outer understanding as they continually learn and grow from both their children and the trans community at large. Many of them were never involved in politics or activism, but the future of their children’s rights in the United States has made them consciously consider the constricting laws the government has implemented, and many of them having to make the stark choice of whether to flee the country for a more welcoming and accepting future. “The government was never coming to save us”, states AC, a sentiment that rings true throughout the documentary.
With many of their children in different stages of life (attending elementary or middle school, or off preparing for college), the dads’ commitment to spreading love and freedom despite a hostile and increasingly conservative political climate is deeply impactful. Attending rallies, spreading awareness in the greater public and throughout the media are just some examples of how these fathers advocate for those they love most. Yet what might be the most poignant and emotionally stirring aspect of Fisher’s feature are the personal conversations and tender moments between members of the group. Promoting physical affection, active listening and a healing space, The Dads’ strength lies not only in uplifting the families associated with the documentary, but also sharing a powerful story of breaking down the assumptions of gender and masculinity and having the capacity to retell a more embracing, fully formed version of what unconditional love and acceptance in fatherhood can still look like.
