Educational Media Reviews Online

Stories of joy within the LGBTQ+ community are so important to share. Mama Bears doesn’t shy away from the difficulties that its subjects face, but it also lets the happiest moments shine through. Using Christianity as a starting point for the documentary’s subjects, Director Daresha Kyi demonstrates that queerness and religion are not in opposition with each other. Each mother featured has a strong connection to their faith, and it is their faith that prompts them to show and express their love towards members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Focusing primarily on sexuality and gender expression, this documentary does not delve into intersectional identities, but does show three different journeys, with three very different families, and different struggles and approaches. Communities are represented from Oklahoma, Texas, and California, and the subjects do get into the political climate that affects their lives. Mama Bears does not allow for any argument or discussion on which bathroom transgender children should use: the correct answer is that they should be able to use the bathroom that feels most comfortable to them. The documentary subjects do not shy away from criticizing their past selves that didn’t know any better, but it is clearly presented as right and wrong; they were wrong, they have learned and grown, and become better.

While the policies and movements that gained steam during the Trump Presidency are decried and discussed in terms of the harm they cause, the only villain in the documentary is the amorphous concept of parents who don’t show up and support their LGBTQ+ children in the ways that they need.

Religion is a throughline throughout Mama Bears – expect bible passages and quotations from both the religious right and the religious left. While this documentary does engage with the children of the titular Mama Bears, the focus is on these women and how they have grown and changed. Emotions run high throughout the film and may be an emotional watch in a classroom setting. Students may be going through similar struggles, or may not have the robust support systems shown, and this could be both a catalyst for a fruitful and deep discussion or could lead to distancing.

Mama Bears is a vibrant documentary with a clear point of view and would work well in a high school or college setting. Segments of the film could be shown to illustrate specific points and would make sense outside of the context of the whole film. This film is recommended.

Awards:
Out On Film, Audience Award, Best Documentary; FilmOut San Diego, Best Documentary; deadCenter Film Festival, Best Pride Feature; Outshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Audience Award, Best Documentary; Thin Line Festival, Social Recognition Awards, Social Impact; Cleveland Film Festival, Local Heroes Competition; Sun Valley Film Festival, Best Documentary Feature

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