Adopting Faith: 3 Minutes with Filmmaker Erin Dooley
Today, I continue my ongoing series with awesome storytellers creating fantastic projects as I’m joined by Erin Dooley, the Writer/Director/Producer of the new short film "Adopting Faith".
For today’s “3 Minutes” film feature, I took a field trip to a movie set to witness my friend Erin Dooley and her cast and crew at work on her latest project, “Adopting Faith”. I hope you take time to learn about the awesome advocacy work that Erin is doing to raise awareness for children and teens in the foster care system. If you live in Southern California, check out the special event Erin is hosting on May 24. Lisa
Enjoy my quick “behind-the-scenes” visit to the set of Erin Dooley’s new film, Adopting Faith.
Q: Erin, congratulations on producing your latest project, Adopting Faith. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
A: Thanks. I'm a screenwriter and filmmaker. I'm also a former foster mom, which has led me to my current project. I've made two feature films and a feature documentary, along with a number of short-form projects. My Catholic faith informs my projects, sometimes more overtly than others. I aim to use my writing and filmmaking to give God glory.
Q: I know you have been a long-term advocate for foster care, including serving as a foster parent. Please tell us how you decided to take this plunge and what you've learned about the system.
A: I felt God calling me to get involved with helping foster children about six years ago. As I discerned how I felt God was calling me to help, I first volunteered at an organization where foster kids live in group homes. I was part of a group that planned monthly events for the kids. While this was a great introduction to the world of foster care, it didn't afford much one-on-one time with the kids. After a year volunteering there, I then volunteered at an organization that matches young adults who have aged out of the system with mentors to help them learn to navigate living independently. I helped a young lady to find housing and learn how to earn her GED. While this opportunity gave more time with my mentee, I felt like I could do more to help if she had been under my roof, in my care. So, I went through the process to get licensed to be a foster parent. A 16-year old girl was placed in my care and she lived with me for over a year.
The experience I had fostering gave me a look into the system. I had a generally good experience and there were very dedicated people helping my foster daughter. That said, learning the statistics and hearing stories from other foster parents, there are some areas in the foster care system that could use fixing, especially when states push politics over care in the laws they make regarding foster care. However, my aim is not to focus on the various issues that may exist. Instead, my focus is to let people know that these 390,000 children in care in the US need people of faith to step up and help them.
Q: Adopting Faith has a noble goal: to raise awareness and teach us how we can get involved with supporting children and youth in the foster care system. How did you come up with the idea for the film?
A: I wrote the script while I was still in the volunteer stage of my discernment. It was written for a writing contest and sat in my hard drive for a number of years. After fostering, I decided that I wanted to produce the script as a way to raise awareness of the foster care system. About a quarter of the children in care will not be able to return to their biological families and need to be adopted into forever families. The film is about foster care adoption, but I am not solely focusing on adoption. I'm excited to make this film available to be used as a resource to spread awareness of the myriad ways people can help foster children.
Q: I loved my set visit and seeing the filming in process. How would you describe the production of Adopting Faith?
A: For the production of the film, I am so grateful to have an incredible producer, Anne Yancey. A friend for years, this was the first time we've worked together. I often wear many hats on my productions, so it was incredible to have Anne on the project. She has an encyclopedic knowledge of theater and film, incredible attention to detail, and a calming presence on set. We had a delay in filming due to the wildfires in January, but we filmed in two days in March and I'm really proud of how the film came out.
Q: The film features talented actors, including children and teens. What was your casting process like? How did it feel to see the cast come together?
A: The actors in the film are a mix of people I've worked with before and some new faces. For the two kids, I went on Backstage and asked some actors to submit. Not only did Sofia and Adrian do good work, even their parents said they could pass for siblings! The story really rests on the shoulders of the main character, Perrine, and Lisa Burnham was equal to the task. There are various nuances in the character and it was so beautiful to see how Lisa brought Perrine to life.
Q: Now that this stage of Adopting Faith is complete, you are planning for a special event. I'd love to know more about the Film & Foster Fair you're hosting on May 24.
A: We are hosting the premiere at St. Therese Church in Alhambra, CA at noon on Saturday, May 24th. At the event, we will screen the film, have a few volunteers and foster parents share their experiences, and give information about how attendees can volunteer at Los Angeles area foster organizations. The event is free, but RSVPs are requested: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-foster-fair-tickets-1330163618189?aff=oddtdtcreator
Q: How can we get involved in supporting this film and sharing it in our communities?
A: The film will be available online as well as at the premiere. To view it, visit the film website. Additionally, I'm hoping that this film will be used as a resource to hold Film & Foster Fairs in other cities and states. I have prepared a hosting kit that gives step-by-step instructions on how to host as well as editable images to use to promote the local event. Those interested in learning more, can visit https://dash-entertainment.weebly.com/film-and-foster-fair.html
Q: Do you have any closing thoughts to share with our community of readers?
A: No one person can do everything but we can all do something to help foster kids! As Catholics, we are called to care for the widows and orphans. While foster children aren't orphans, they are still vulnerable children that deserve our love and protection. Even if in your state of life, you are unable to foster and take a child into your home, please don't discount yourself! You could volunteer in myriad ways in your local community. I hope you'll look into how you can help. And I hope you share the link to "Adopting Faith" with your family and friends!
A question for you: Do you have any connections to the foster care system?