Indie Drama ‘Short Term 12′

8/26/2013

A film Exploring the Foster Care System

Opens in DC August 30, 2013

Growing up in the “system” makes one typically reluctant to share their stories, as it often requires reliving a life better left buried. However, when someone does have the courage to expose the realities of what it means to be a part of this kind of life, my antennas go up and I consider myself a harsh critic. I haven’t seen this film yet, but from the reviews, it seems promising. Based on the writer/director Destin Cretton’s experiences working in a group home, the film screened at Sundance in 2008 and tagged itself as “A film about kids and the grown-ups who hit them.”

Movie Synopsis:
Short Term 12 stars Brie Larson (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) and John Gallagher Jr. (The Newsroom) as Grace and Mason, a young couple working together in a juvenile care home. Grace is tasked with guiding the troubled youngsters, many of whom come from backgrounds where they have been abused or neglected, through the trials of growing up, but finds herself unable to be as open about her own feelings as she encourages them to be.

2011 Foster Care Statistics

On September 30, 2011, there were an estimated 400,540 children in foster care.More than a quarter (27 percent) were in relative homes, and nearly half (47 percent) were in non-relative foster family homes.
About half (52 percent) had a case goal of reunification with their families.
About half (52 percent) of the children left the system to be reunited with their parents or primary caretakers.
Close to half of the children (46 percent) who left foster care in FY 2011 were in care for less than 1 year.

Would you see a film like this? Why or why not ?

What is your reaction to these statistics?

28 Comments

Alikekid Sanrisk link

8/25/2013 09:36:26 pm

I always enjoy watching Indie Movie. Some of them are great! Original ideas

Yvonne Brown

8/26/2013 03:09:35 pm

Thanks for your comment Alikekid! They are original!

Glenda Kay link

8/25/2013 09:42:49 pm

Yes, I would watch it! This is a great subject that needs to be explored.

8/26/2013 03:10:05 pm

Thanks for your comment Glenda! I'm glad you think so!

Jim Striegel link

8/25/2013 10:29:47 pm

What an interesting subject to cover that would be worth watching.

8/26/2013 03:10:38 pm

Thanks Jim! I think it will be worth watching too!

Lisa Hodges link

8/25/2013 10:53:39 pm

I agree that it needs to be explored and would for sure watch it.

8/26/2013 03:11:17 pm

Thanks for your comment Lisa! So glad to hear you would watch it!

John Hurd link

8/25/2013 11:24:24 pm

Never heard about this independent film before. I think I would see this, not because I haven't seen it but I think this film is really nice based from the said good reviews from its viewers. The film makes me
curious that is why I will check on it. .

8/26/2013 03:11:59 pm

Thanks for your comment John! I'm glad you are intrigued by the reviews!

Deanna Heiliger link

8/25/2013 11:59:28 pm

I love any films that are based on true stories. It saddens me that foster children have to be abused...they are the ones who need love the most!

8/26/2013 03:12:58 pm

Thanks for your comment Deanna! It is sad. You are absolutely right, they need the most love!!! You have a big heart to see that!

Vene link

8/26/2013 12:49:45 am

I am a true movie fan! There is always a lesson to take away from it

Meli link

8/26/2013 01:52:36 am

This sounds like a really important film. Hope to be able to see it!!

Don Purdum link

8/26/2013 01:56:46 am

It looks interesting and the courage it takes to share demonstrates a persons inner strength and belief. Very impressive.

8/26/2013 03:13:39 pm

Thanks for your comment Don! You're right--courage is a big thing here!

Rachel

8/26/2013 03:34:21 am

I can be very difficult to watch movies like this for those who have been through "the system" but they are important for those who have not to see the truth. Bring your tissues and then find ways to help in your community!

8/26/2013 03:14:20 pm

I like your attitude Rachel! I'm getting out my tissues right now!

Anita Breeze link

8/26/2013 03:39:30 am

I really have trouble watching movies like this, I'm one of those super emphatic people who can be disturbed for years by these things. But they are important to affect change.

Irene

8/26/2013 04:55:24 am

Yes. Definintely as a foster parent for many years, I will make it a point to catch this fil.

Robin Foose

8/26/2013 09:04:19 am

I would watch the movie... I may need a box of Kleenex. I did not think the number in foster care was that high... and only a 1/4 of them are with relatives.... that is sad.

Daniele Holmberg link

8/26/2013 10:56:34 am

This sounds like a great movie. I work in alternative ed and have had students that are in the foster care system. Thank you for sharing your own story.:)

Crystal Asuncion link

8/26/2013 01:25:43 pm

This sounds like a great movie. I would watch it.

Dov Shapira

8/26/2013 01:27:52 pm

I hope the movie is good.
The idea is promising

RMFord

8/27/2013 04:20:58 am

If this film is anything like Antwone Fisher, it will an eye-opener to the foster care system. I'm sure that there are as many stories as there are children in the system. All 400,540. I would see it. Gaining knowledge about any subject, but especially about what's happening to our children is gets my attention.

Mike link

8/27/2013 05:05:04 am

Not the funnest looking subject, but definitely a movie I will look for

Dionne link

8/27/2013 05:32:44 am

It sounds as though Grace may come from a troubled background as well? It will be interesting to see how this plays and to see if her helping the children, in turn, helps her.

I'm a little troubled by the tagline though, “A film about kids and the grown-ups who hit them.”. It seems to imply that the movie is about the children's parents. Or that the current caregivers are hitting them? Am I off-base Yvonne?

Tyler

8/27/2013 08:08:35 am

Sounds like a great movie. Brie is an incredible actor