Unlocking the Heart of Adoption to Screen at UNC Wilmington
11/14/2007 12:52:59 PM
E-Mail | Print
Wilmington, N.C.- Unlocking the Heart of Adoption, a 56-minute documentary, will be shown at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 28, in Cameron Hall 133 at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Hosted by the UNCW Women's Resource Center, the film screening is free and open to the public.
The film bridges the gap between birth and adoptive families through personal stories of adoptees, birthparents and adoptive parents in same race and transracial adoptions. Spanning 70 years, their stories provide an accurate historical background and a rich understanding of the conflicts, joys and sorrows of adoption. Filmmaker Sheila Ganz weaves her own story as a birthmother into the film.
Ganz is the writer, producer, director, principal videographer and editor of the documentary. Her story started in 1968 when, while attending the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, she was raped and became pregnant. Since abortion was not yet legalized, this was not an option. After giving birth to her daughter, Sheila became an activist for adoption reform.
After the film, there will be a discussion led by Roberta MacDonald, chairwoman for the NC Coalition for Adoption Reform. MacDonald will provide an update on North Carolina's new adoption legislation, which will allow licensed North Carolina adoption agencies to act as confidential intermediaries between consenting adults and goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2008.
Adam Pertman, executive director of the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, states: "Sheila Ganz's documentary provides compelling, profound insights into people whom most of us hardly understand at all. I wish everyone could see this film and learn from it. Adoption-and our culture-would certainly become more compassionate and enlightened if they did."
Media contacts:
Janet Ellerby, professor of English, 910.962.3764 or ellerbyj@uncw.edu
Dana Fischetti, manager of news and media relations, 910.962.7259 or fischettid@uncw.edu
|
