Some people will fight their whole lives for the acceptance they never got from their fathers.
Last February, I did a blog post about a great film on fatherlessness, titled Absent, by Justin Hunt. The film speaks to the powerful emotional wound that always results from the absence of a father in a young person’s life. In that blog post, you can learn more about the film, read some of the sad data about the costs of absent fathers, and see a clip from the film.
Absent has been shown in cities all over the U.S. and in countries around the world, including Spain, Egypt, South Africa, Germany, France, England, and Australia. That’s because the issue of absent fathers is just that big and universal.
The film is continuing to get spectacular reviews because of its brutally honest approach to the topic and intimate way it addresses this painful issue. In the film, the director, Justin Hunt, interviews prominent men, and has emotionally charged exchanges with prostitutes, homeless people, and even a world champion boxer.
This is a film I like so much, I’d like it to get all the exposure possible. I recommend having the film shown in your men’s group, faith community, neighborhood center, or anywhere people can be gathered. You could even partner with a Boy’s and Girl’s Club, Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization, or any mentoring group in your community for support. I’m certain if you raise this flag, people will come. You can request a screening of Absent for your community by going to the absentmovie.com website.
In the video clip below you will hear from people who have seen the Absent film. When I watched it, I heard two loud messages: “The prognosis (for kids, our communities, and our world) isn’t good,” and, it’s a moving film that “gives you hope.”
What do you think?
This article by Earl Hipp was previously published on the Man-Making Blog, and is reprinted here with permission.
Read more on fatherlessness worldwide: Kenyan Calls for More Involvement from African Fathers.
Read more on Absent, the documentary by Justin Hunt, in A&E.