Special DC Screening: ‘Family Affair’
Posted on October 20, 2010 at 10:46 pm
A Family Affair is a documentary about the unforgivable. And the power of forgiveness. Film-maker Chico Colvard has made a powerful film about his own family’s tragedy and their journey toward reconciliation and understanding. Those in the Washington, D.C. area can see it on November 8 at the Johnson Center Cinema at George Mason University. Colvard will be there for a Q&A following the film.
I saw this film at Silverdocs. It is a remarkable film — quite moving and resonated with me and the audience on a number of levels. I am not a sexual assault survivor, nor does this film limit itself to just that issue — it is about so much more. For me, the issues of betrayal and forgiveness really did hit home. How do you confront an aging and ailing parent after so many years have gone by? The issues from my childhood stay with me and as a parent, they are, at times, even more present; constantly wondering “how could he?” Feeling complicit in covering up for my father as I and others present him to the world and our children as a kind man, a good neighbor, trustworthy friend and caring grandfather. “Family Affair” delicately pulls back the veil of family secrets and tells a story that is as honest and beautifully crafted as any I’ve ever seen before. I highly recommend this film to anyone wanting to learn more about family dynamics and to do so in a way where you don’t feel like you’re getting beat-up by someone else’s personal experiences or private therapy.