The Story
"Deeply moving and beautifully crafted." -Journalist
This is a path to parenthood through the extraordinary and challenging journey of two men, Riccardo and Daniele, living in Milan, Italy. This is an intimate story sharing the lives of three adults across continents whose lives joined together to fulfill one couple’s dream of expanding their family.
An Italian queer couple’ share their story that led them to Canada in pursuit for their dream of parenthood. This prompts the global divide over who should have the right to be a parent in today’s modern age, while facing intolerances in one's own country.
In 2019, Jennifer revealed her decision to carry a child for two married men residing in Italy. Through intimate and insightful interviews conducted in Canada and Italy over four years, we combine an observational style with sit-down interviews and home videos.
We interviewed our subjects during their time in Canada, before and after their child is born, two weeks after their son is born, and as they departed back to their homeland 6 weeks later from Toronto. We filmed and recorded zoom calls between our main subjects in 2021, and our key filming occurred in spring 2023 in Milan, with a professional crew. While filming in Italy for three days, we interview a high-profile political figure, our film’s antagonist, conservative Simone Pillon. Former Senator Simone Pillon represents the views of many in Italy, and worldwide, who fight to maintain a traditional family structure.
Through stringent and oppressive LGBTQ+ laws faced in their home country, the film has the potential to inspire hope for others navigating similar paths. It aims to accelerate the global conversation about discriminatory inequality and universal human rights.
This is a true story of love, hope, parenting, and the definition of family.
A CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS SPONSORED FILM
This story tells the journey of two men navigating inequality and stereotypes in their journey towards becoming parents. It is a struggle faced by millions of individuals worldwide. The story is relatable to many beyond the LGBTQ+ community. This is a documentary that showcases the resilience of the human spirit, love and hope.
This story is relatable to anyone who has struggled to expand their family, regardless of whether they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not. This is a story of universal love, parenting, and the definition of family.
Audience Engagement:
·Relatable with parents of all genders internationally
·Resonates with the LGBTQ+ individuals globally
·Appeals to anyone who has faced infertility or sought alternative conception methods
·Engages individuals of all ages and cultures who are unfamiliar with non-traditional family dynamics, as many small towns and cities worldwide have zero exposure to diverse family structures
Social Impact
·Challenges stereotypes and discusses cultural gaps
·Fosters empathy and tolerance, aiding in reducing hate crimes
·Inspires hope for others navigating similar paths in life, helping to reduce mental health struggles
Society continues to witness assertiveness by American right-wing Republican parties, making this story timelier than ever. Furthermore, a 2024 reversal of LGBTQ+ parenting rights and forbidding international surrogacy, led by conservative Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has increased the options for queer individuals in Italy. The biases in Italy mirror the views prevalent in many parts of North America and Europe.
By showcasing the resilience and happiness of the couple and their child, the film has the potential to inspire others and contribute to improved mental well-being for others navigating similar paths.
Why is this story relative to countries other than Canada and Italy?
“We are not free until all of our siblings are free” - Sherwin Modeste, Executive Director of Pride Toronto.
