Adopted ID – Documentary Review

Family is a very powerful thing in one’s life. Some understand the importance of family; some take it for granted; and some never have the privilege of experiencing it. However, there are those who fall right in the middle: adopted individuals. Adoption gives a person the love and care of a family but not always an identity. Judith Craig is one of those individuals and the new documentary, Adopted ID, tells her story.

Directed by Sonia Godding Togobo, Adopted ID brings to the big screen the heart-warming journey of Judith Craig, who travels to her birthplace of Haiti to find her biological parents who abandoned her when she was a baby. She has no idea what her birth name is, where in Haiti she was born or any understanding of who her family members are. With that said, this documentary is more than just the journey of an adopted child. It dwells deeper into subjects such as trans-racial adoption and the importance of culture. Having been adopted into a white Canadian family, racial tension in society has affected Craig, both mentally and in reality. Her journey is not only to find her past but also to find herself. Her identity.

Togobo brings simplicity to the art of film-making. This is by no means a sophisticated film, technically speaking, but everything just works. There is a sense of purity in the production. There are moments where you feel as if a piece of footage hasn’t been edited; rather, that raw, unedited feel provides the reality of the situation and really triggers ones emotions. Togobo has kept the focus on Craig from start to finish, not wavering across various ideas. This provides a base by which to understand the film and its various subjects. Here you have an adopted Haitian girl who wishes to step back 30 years and meet with her biological parents. What Tobogo does very well is not only capture the adventure, but also the  evolution of an individual’s thoughts and ideas through a life changing journey. The reality is there and that really adds value to the experience.

However, Togobo digs deeper. Craig severely felt the racial tensions when growing up and always questioned her position, both at home and within society. The fundamental question becomes: what does trans-racial adoption do to an adopted child’s culture, when the colour of their skin alone differentiates them from everyone else, including their adoptive parents? Togobo visits the concept of identity very well. The documentary asks what the definition of identify is and then uses Craig’s journey into Haiti to build that definition. Its quite a remarkable thing because identity, like family, is open to one’s own interpretation and expectations, and Togobo gives you, the audience member, that space to build your own opinion on the matter. That really gets you thinking about the subject and gets you more involved with the film.

This documentary is a feel-good adventure that lets one reflect on the important things in life. It lets you see the importance of identity and how it plays a vital role in developing oneself personally and professionally. Some of us never reflect upon our identity – or the things that make our identity; such as family – and this film gives a reason to re-visit our roots. If you are an individual who doesn’t understand one’s identity, this film is a great motivator. “Some people are born into their identity. Others have to find one”. Never give up!

Adopted ID has its North American Premiere at the Hot Docs Bloor Cinema on July 19th, 2012. For tickets, please visit www.adoptedid.com

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