Why can't we be a family again? [electronic resource] / produced and directed by Roger Weisberg and Murray Nossel.

New York, NY : Filmakers Library, 2002.

English

This edition in English.

1 online resource (28 min.).

Shot over a three year period, this emotionally wrenching story reveals the bond that develops between two brothers who long to be reunited with their mother. Despite the neglect and disappointment they suffer, these extraordinary boys never give up hope that they will some day live with their mother and be a family again. This powerful new film chronicles the mother's agonizing battle with crack addiction and the grandmother's struggle to keep the family together.Strengthened by the love of their grandmother and a unique family support organization called the Center for Family Life, fourteen year old Danny and eleven year old Raymond cope with the pain of their mother's repeated attempts to overcome addiction and regain their custody. In one particularly poignant scene Danny reveals how his mother left the boys to fend for themselves when they were ages two and five. After the food ran out, the boys made a harrowing journey on foot and bus to their grandmother's house.When The Family Court threatens to terminate the mother's parental rights after still another failed attempt at rehabilitation, the boys impress the judge with their deep desire to keep the family intact. This powerful portrayal of a family torn apart by addiction will resonate with social workers, counselors, family therapists, and those training in the helping professions.

Originally released as DVD.
Title from resource description page (viewed May 24, 2011).

For College; Adult audiences.

Academy Award Nomination 2003
Best Documentary Short, Atlanta Film and Video Festival, 2002
Bronze Remi Award, Worldfest Houston Film Festival, 2002
Los Angeles International Shorts Film Festival, 2002
Vancouver International Film Festival, 2002

Online Resources > Streaming Video
All Resources