Nearly a decade before data confirmed that children of lesbian mothers thrive, this groundbreaking documentary showcased this vital truth. Largely shot in the San Francisco Bay Area, the film explores the diverse experiences of eight families facing custody battles, legal scrutiny, and widespread societal bias. Through tender interviews and intimate footage with the parents and, most poignantly, their children, this documentary offers a heartrending portrayal of parental love, challenging stereotypes and normalizing an exceedingly valid family model.
Newly restored by the UCLA Film & Television Archive, In the Best Interests of the Children is a film “about who lesbian mothers and their children really are,” portraying the diversity of experience, race, and class among its eight families.
Director Frances Reid expected to be in attendance
Preceded by:
Lesbian Custody (Dir. Samuael Topiary & Molly Skonieczny, 18 Minutes)
A video essay about the personal and political context of a landmark lesbian feminist documentary film from 1977 called In the Best Interests of the Children — directed by Frances Reid, Elizabeth Stevens, and Cathy Zheutlin— about lesbian mothers fighting to regain custody of their children in the 1970s.
As a nearly forgotten period of LGBTQ+ history, this documentary short introduces us to now retired filmmaker Frances Reid and her “step-daughter” Julie Stevens while they look through the film’s archives, discuss the making of the film and their personal relationship. Ultimately the film brings awareness to this history — putting it in dialogue with the present political situation today.
Directors Samuel Topiary, Molly Skonieczny and subject Julie Stevens expected to be in attendance