This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I am looking to highlight some dad created films. These films were showcased at the Daddying Film Festival. These films look to explore all different fatherhood themes. In addition, if there are any other dads that you think we should check out, leave their name and info in the comment section below.
Dad Created Films
Reconciliation – Ian Phillips
A young man reconnects with his father after many years of distance. In the process of reconciliation, he decides to make a film about it. Elijah Gbotoe has a young son. He separated from his son’s mother. Elijah wanted to make sure he was there for his son since his dad was not there for him. During this journey, Elijah looks to reconnect with his father. Ian Phillips, who directed this film, won the the BET / WALMART Black and Unlimited Fatherhood Challenge at the 2025 American Black Film Festival.
Deep Sea – Cole Whitaker
Presented as a visual journal entry and created in pixilation style, a father comes home from work, sick and tired, and just needs a few minutes to get some things done, but his kids have other plans. Plans like deep sea diving and raising existential questions about what time really means in the face of competing demands. His films, Deep Sea and The Journey Home, continue this experimentation with turning his journaling habit, primarily about his experiences as a father, into a public cinematic journey of curiosity, humility and, hopefully, humor.
Lessons from 100 – Matthew Floyd
What does it mean, not just to live a long life, but a meaningful life? This documentary features centenarian Jack Weber. He is a community leader, veteran, family man, and lifelong New Yorker. This film discusses with his filmmaker grandson lessons that we can all take to heart. Therefore the film teaches us about service, family, resilience, and more, shot during the year of his centennial, 2024.
Redemption Road – Yusef Bunchy Shakur & Scott McCartney
Redemption Road is a documentary film co-directed by community activist and author Dr. Yusef Bunchy Shakur and filmmaker Scott McCartney. The film traces Shakur’s powerful life transformation from gang involvement and incarceration to becoming an educator, author, and social justice organizer in Detroit. Screened and awarded at various film festivals, including winning Best Documentary Feature at events like the Denton Black Film Festival.