A movie that is, at the same time, uplifting and heartbreaking. Navigating a broken system that has so many people trying to make it work, the film introduces us to an amazing group of kids struggling to love and be loved, to workers who are doing their best to optimize the lives of these kids and the obstacles that need to be overcome. It is simultaneously hopeful and daunting. Definitely, a most insightful documentary.

FOSTER is a film that everyone in America should see--it provides a view of foster care that we all need to have so that we can have the discussions and support the kinds of changes to fully support ALL of our children and families. This is a first of a kind film with an inside view of the lives of a group of parents and young people in foster care. Can a movie change a conversation? I think so. And I think this is it.

Full disclosure: I advised on this film.

It seems that since the book and film White Oleander gave us a glimpse into foster care from a child's perspective, the only news we've gotten is the negative. All parenting is difficult and natural parents are equally imperfect or we wouldn't need foster care as much as we do. The documentary Foster gives us a side of the system that won't make the nightly news. We get to see the necessity, the opportunity, and the hope that foster care can bring into the lives of those involved. It's moving, we see the challenges, and the heroes like Ms. Beavers, and in the end it made me feel want to support those who devote their lives to this important cause.