Dandelions

Dandelions isn't just a film; it's a story that unfolded in my life, a journey I never anticipated taking. It all started with a random Facebook message from two Russian teenagers claiming a connection—saying their father was also mine. My initial reaction was disbelief, a thought that this couldn't be real. I hesitated, thinking about the potential impact on my family, especially my parents and younger brother.

When the message included actual photos as proof, the shock set in, and the reality of the situation became too hard to ignore. Fast forward eight years, and Dandelions became my way of exploring the truth behind my childhood. As a filmmaker who loves delving into identity, this was the ultimate exploration, a chance to fill in the gaps of my own story.

Filming this documentary allowed me to confront emotions I'd been avoiding. It was difficult, and I found solace hiding behind the camera, but my brother Ben and my partner Flavia reminded me that I couldn’t hide from what I had decided to uncover.

We embarked on a month-and-a-half journey, traveling from Los Angeles to Russia and back, with a natural three-act structure emerging organically. The climax, where we share our journey with my parents, turns out to be one of the most challenging scenes to watch, even after seven years of editing. It reveals the different perspectives within our family, adding layers to the universal theme of familial secrets.

Dandelions is more than a documentary; it's a conduit for conversations about family, identity, and the courage it takes to uncover one's origin. It's an exploration that allows room for forgiveness and healing, an opportunity to bridge the gaps in our own identities.

As you watch the film, you'll witness not just my journey but the universal quest for truth and understanding. I hope Dandelions inspires others to bravely seek out the truth in their own lives - because, in the end, family is worth it.