Amplifying Real-Life Adoptee and Former Foster Youth Voices at the Center of “Orphan” Narratives
The “Orphan” trope is a time honored fixture of narrative storytelling. Some of the most famous heroes in history were adoptees or former foster youth – from Hercules to Moses, Snow White, Tarzan, Superman, Harry Potter, and many more.
This documentary project examines “orphan” stories told across cultures and popular media throughout history, and the real world impact that these narratives have on the lives of adoptees and former foster youth, analyzing time honored beliefs about the adoptee/FFY experience.
Directed by Asian-American transracial adoptee and former foster youth, Lee Milby, this project will analyze well known “orphan” stories in popular culture, through in-depth interviews with adoptee and FFY filmmakers, writers, artists, scholars, therapists, activists, and more.
This project will share, compare and contrast real-life experiences with media portrayals, and present the adoptee / FFY / “orphan” identity as a thriving global community and a source of untapped insight, creativity, and wisdom.
Support the Project
The Adoptee Narratives Documentary Project is self funded by Lee Milby. Donations will directly cover production costs such as: transportation, purchasing hard drives for data storage, camera and audio recording equipment rentals, meals for crew and interview subjects, and recording software (Riverside FM subscription) for conducting online video interviews.