Educational Media Reviews Online

Filmmaker Sheila Ganz uses her personal experiences as a springboard for this open discussion of adoption. Ms. Ganz was raped, became pregnant, and ultimately relinquished her newborn for adoption. Her lifelong sense of loss and concern for the child she never knew led her to search for an understanding of her own feelings and a connection with her daughter. An outcome of her quest is this program, which provides a variety of frank, personal interviews with adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents. The individuals participating are a widely diverse group. The two main areas of focus are individual experience and adoption reform.

Historical facts relating to adoption are interspersed throughout the video. Topics included in the discussion are the ‘orphan trains’ from 1856-1929, the closing of adoption records in the 1930s, and contemporary efforts to change State legislation to provide more open adoption procedures.

The key to this program is the unselfconscious commentary given by a number of individuals experiencing adoption. Emotions run the gamut from fear, anger, and abandonment, to reconciliation, acceptance, and happiness. While there is discussion regarding concerns and issues that would be familiar to any family with children, the program never loses sight of the very unique set of issues that effect individuals involved with adoption.

Unlocking the Heart of Adoption is successful in revealing the complex nature of adoption, as well as some the challenges, failures, and successes that can be experienced by those involved. The examination of the diversity of the experience and outcome makes this program suitable for any viewer interested, involved, or considering involvement in the adoption process from high school through adult. This recommended program is suitable for public, high school, and academic libraries. It would also be useful to professional and community organizations dealing with adoption.