User reviews

So imagine it is right before the Holidays and a High School classmate posts in the Facebook Group about his most recent work. The post is a little teaser blurb about a documentary about life in Philly, about being a Dad, about the trials a tribulations of trying to be a present and good Dad, about growing up poor (or not advantaged, financially), about how the rest of the world sees you, about how the court system is biased against you, and mostly about the kids. Now imagine carving the time out, seeking that real time, to be able to soak this in....during the Holidays. I put this on, I watched the whole damn thing, twice. The second time, I tried to take notes and I couldn't pull away from it to even put some thoughts down. The socratic interviewing from all the different angles and the real people made this a serious must see. I really wish this would have been a series, as it should be.... I'm telling everyone about this. Great work Rel.

"Where's Daddy?" is a very important documentary not just for the African-American audience, but for all audiences who want to know about the pitfalls of the child support system and how it can devastate and dismantle the family structure. This particular documentary gives significant attention to the plight of African-American males as the system pertains to them. The testimonies shared are powerful, tragic, very emotional and real. Unfortunately many do not know about the challenges many fathers have who want to be responsible, but never take into account the problems, seen and unforeseen, that can hinder them from being so. Powerful documentary that will always be relevant as long as the current child support system remains in place.

Where's Daddy was a very, very powerful documentary as it tackled the realities of African American men and the child support system. It was real, raw and relevant as it addressed perspectives on that system and the sometimes devastating effects and consequences not only for black males but black families in general. The Director, Rel Dowdell, did fantastic job of exploring the legal challenges, cultural issues, social implications and the negative emotional impact on African American children and the challenges that African American fathers face as they try to navigate through the child support system. The unscripted interviews with Celebrities as well as some average everyday people who have been affected by the system gave the documentary a balance authenticity. Another awesome component about the film was that, even though there was a focus on the African American male, it was a documentary that gave perspectives from African American men and women. To add to this, the film educates its viewers about a real issue that brings about a social consciousness that will be beneficial to people of all races, cultures, ethnicities and backgrounds. Kudos to the Director for an awesome job! It was definitely a powerful documentary and definitely a must see!

This documentary does a good job. Keep Going! Keep exposing!

Barack Obama would never have been president, Stephen King would have never been such an amazing author, if their mothers and fathers spent their upbringings fighting in court over child support and custody.

The child support system is not helping anyone but the judges, the lawyers, and the child support employees. It destroys the children it claims to help. It pushes parents to fight each other, by setting ridiculously high support mandates.. Shut this worthless, destructive bureaucratic monstrosity down. Drain the swamp.