Awards (click to collapse)
International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2003) – Winner: Audience Award; FIPRESCI Prize
Florida Film Festival, USA (2003) – Winner: Special Jury Award
Satellite Awards, USA (2004) – Nominated: Golden Satellite Award: Best Motion Picture, Documentary
International Documentary Association, USA (2003) – Nominated: Feature Documentaries
News & Documentary Emmy Awards, USA (2005) – Winner: Best Documentary; Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: Editing
Sundance Film Festival, USA (2003) – Winner: Directing Award (Documentary); Audience Award (Documentary)
Sundance Film Festival, USA (2003) – Nominated: Grand Jury Prize: Documentary
Golden Trailer Awards, USA (2004) – Nominated: Best Documentary
Raising one disabled child is too onerous a burden for many parents, which must make Susan Tom something of a Mother Theresa. This Californian single mum cares for no fewer than nine special-needs children she fosters. They include two legless girls who like bouncing on a trampoline and flirting with the boys at school; another, horribly disfigured from burns as a baby, who dreams she’ll grow up to look “normal”; a hyperactive bully kept at bay with Ritalin; and the retarded teen he sexually abuses. A sensitively handled and at times lyrical portrayal of the daily travails and triumphs of the Toms, which, although celebrating Susan’s relentless love, does raise some disturbing questions about the motives of sacrifice.
Previous Festivals
Sundance Film Festival, USA (2003)
International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2003)
Florida Film Festival, USA (2003)