MAMA BEARS

DARESHA KYI | GERMAN | 2022 | 90 MIN | ENGLISH

Following a trans girl, a gay man, and a lesbian mother, this emotional triptych chronicles evangelical Christian “Mama Bears” fighting for their children’s rights and wrestling with their conflicted souls as the movement gains members and sprouts local chapters across the U.S. one glitter-dusted hug at a time.

“The Bible says…” a lot of things. When bathroom bills, conversion therapy, and suicidal ideation endanger the well-being – and very existence – of young Kai Shappley, Parker Cunningham, and Tammi Morris, it’s up to these individuals and their scripture-loving mothers to decide for themselves how to interpret God’s plan. Finding strength in one another, a network of Mama Bears works together on- and offline to extend comfort and bring about a kinder, safer place for LGBT2SQ+ children. Together, this “tribe” makes them brave, allowing them to pinpoint moments of personal epiphany and face their fears. As directed by Emmy-winning Daresha Kyi, Mama Bears refuses to sand away contradictions, the manifold structuring of this “delicate balance” of faith showing enlightening points of comparison and contrast between the subjects while revealing the ease of hatred, and how arduous the road towards unconditional love can be.

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