Kindred

The remarkable true story of one aspirational parent’s groundbreaking journey through the adoption process in the United Kingdom. Kindred is an animated VR story, driven by first person narration by Syd—an aspirational parent who navigates the various stages of adoption, experiencing first-hand the highs and lows of a dream shared by so many. Syd is an outsider who has struggled for acceptance in mainstream British society. After deciding to become a parent, Syd navigates the adoption system. The bandwidth of acceptable children is wide; Syd is willing to adopt children from all walks of life. After numerous close calls and more than 150 rejections, one child comes to the fore, a gender questioning child called Ollie. After a “bump in” meeting engineered by the adoption agency, parent and child strike a meaningful connection. The wheels are put in motion. Eventually, Syd and Ollie’s relationship is solidified legally by the courts and the parent-child relationship is created—in one moment they are bonded and in the process redefine the meaning of the family in the United Kingdom forever.

I was first introduced to Syd’s story by our collaborator Amy Tooth Murphy, a specialist in gender studies at Royal Holloway University, University of London. Dr Amy sent me an audio interview with Syd in which they explained their history and journey through the adoption process. Within moments of hearing this interview, I was deeply moved by Syd’s openness, raw emotion, wit and utter tenacity. Against all odds, Syd had decided that parenthood was to be a central part of their life. A rare, inimitable and inspiring perseverance would be required to successfully navigate the adoption process due to their identity. Kindred is a story of hope, belief and belonging at times when the chips are stacked against you in life for no good reason. My dream is that Kindred and the story of Syd and Ollie inspires us all to fight, fight, fight for civil rights, equality and the inalienable desire of those who have to love to share it, regardless of their identity.

PRODUCTION 1: Tessa Ratusynska, Lee Harris – Electric Skies Ltd
10, Bahram Court
E2 6FY – London, United Kingdom
Tel. +351 913390420
michael@electricskies.io
http://www.electricskies.io

WORLD SALES: Lee Harris
10, Bahram Court
E2 6FY – London, United Kingdom
Tel. +44 07723046823
lee@electricskies.io

PRESS OFFICE: Lee Harris – Electric Skies Ltd
10, Bahram Court
E2 6FY – London, United Kingdom
Tel. +44 7723046823
lee@electricskies.io

ITALIAN PRESS OFFICE: Lee Harris – Electric Skies Ltd
10, Bahram Court
E2 6FY – London, United Kingdom
Tel. +44 7723046823