ABOVE PHOTO: Writer/author Mister Mann Frisby (l) and filmmaker Rel Dowdell.
The topic of child support continues to be a ‘hot button’ social and political issue, particularly among the African-American community. The “Where’s Daddy?” film addresses perspectives on the child support system, the specific effects and consequences to Black families, with an emphasis on the experience of fathers as participants in the system and an examination of the legal challenges, social implications, cultural issues and emotional impact of navigating the child support system are just a few of the many points the film addresses. The film premieres at the Kimmel Center on Friday, Oct. 27 at 8PM. Ticket price is $20 and can be obtained at www.kimmelcenter.org. A question and answer session will take place after the screening.
Dr. Kathleen Walls
Statement from filmmaker Rel Dowdell: “This documentary is one of the most important and consummate documentaries made by any racial demographic in recent memory.
The real story of how the child support system has decimated the African-American family structure, especially as it has pertained to the destruction of the African-American male and his esteem, has sadly been untold. A major part of the problem is that the system often ignores and mitigates the personal challenges that the African-American male is going through, which are often crippling.
Hopefully and prayerfully, this film will inspire the needed dialogue to integrate healing into the fabric of our community and subsequently bring needed change to the system that judges this ruinous situation that ends up harming the children more than anyone else.
Fred Barnett
There are many negative stereotypes that have encompassed the African-American man that desperately need to be dispelled through education and progressive thinking.”
“Where’s Daddy?” will be released nationwide in February 2018.
There are several notable names from the world of sports and entertainment who are interviewed within the film. Some of the names participating include: Bishop James D. Robinson, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Kathleen Walls, Roc-A-Fella platinum-selling rap artist Freeway, Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl receiver Fred Barnett, writer/author Mister Mann Frisby, comedian J’Vonne Pearson, and Philadelphia basketball Hall of fame coach Bill Ellerbee.
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