Private Project

Dear Mother - A Climber's Transracial Adoption Story

Climber and transracial Asian-American, Cody Kaemmerlen, searches for connection with his birth parents after a near-death fall leaves him shaken and grasping for answers.

  • Jon Glassberg
    Director
    Golden Gate, Freedom of the Wheels, Deep Water
  • Jessica Glassberg
    Writer
  • Sophi Rutherford
    Writer
  • Saraphina Redalieu
    Writer
  • Jon Glassberg
    Writer
  • Shara Zaia
    Producer
  • Shane Johnson
    Producer
  • Cody Kaemmerlen
    Key Cast
  • Nina Williams
    Key Cast
  • Jon Glassberg
    Video
  • Sophi Rutherford
    Video
  • Jessica Glassberg
    Video
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Documentary, Adoption, transracial
  • Runtime:
    40 minutes 35 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 12, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    10,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Korea, Republic of, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 4k
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Jon Glassberg

A professional climber for twenty years, Jon has traveled the world climbing rocks and making films. His authentic view of climbing and the Outdoor Industry grew from simple beginnings as a committed climber. Recently his focus has shifted from the rock to the camera as a director who captures the heart and soul of cutting-edge outdoor sports. Jon enjoys hanging from the side of El Capitan capturing free ascents 3000 ft off the valley floor, climbing in the Rocky Mountains, and traveling to the farthest corners of the earth to capture rare moments in outdoor sport. He likes to follow personalities and develop emotional, authentic stories about talented people doing the coolest stuff out there.

He has grown his company, Louder Than Eleven, into one of the outdoor industry’s most trusted production houses, working with a diverse group of pro athletes and directing a variety of award-winning features and international campaigns for The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, Marmot, Black Diamond, Masterclass and Red Bull. Jon captures imagery from precarious and dangerous places where most filmmakers don’t have the skills to go while blurring the line between commercial and documentary film in both the vertical and horizontal worlds.

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Director Statement

Through my production company Louder Than Eleven, we teamed up with the American Alpine Club to create the "Pull Focus" Grant. It is a storytelling grant that provides BIPOC, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with both seen and unseen disabilities the funds to create and share stories that reflect their identities and communities.

This grant was awarded to Sophi Rutherford in 2022 and this film was made with Sophi behind the lens under the guidance of Jon Glassberg directing. Through this collaborative effort, "Dear Mother" was born and this film was close to Sophi's heart as she too is adopted and identified with Cody's story in many ways. Throughout this intimate filmmaking process, I learned about adoption by being on the sidelines and in the room as Cody's story unfolded. This was the first time I have experienced such deep vulnerability with a subject. Cody, his family, and his birth parents, were open to let us tell their complex and touching story, which was a humble and enriching honor.

A message from Sophi Rutherford (American Alpine Club "Pull Focus" Grant recipient)

"Upon receiving the Pull Focus Grant, I had no idea I would be diving into the world of adoption and exploring the Asian experience. Upon hearing about Cody's adoption story, it made me think about a side of myself I long since buried. Documenting Cody going through such an intimate journey was an honor. I hope people can watch the film and it sparks conversation around adoption, family and race. It was such a formative experience in my career to work on a film with a complex storyline, lots of travel and organization alongside the Glassberg's who helped iron out the wrinkles in my process and shake off the rust."