A Kind of Family
This feature documentary tells the complex and touching story of Winnipeg city councilor Glen Murray and his 17-year-old adopted son Mike, whose struggles with addiction and behavioural problems cyclically repeat. Glen, now an Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament, was one of the first openly gay elected politicians in Canada. He adopted Mike during an era when homophobic stereotypes often prevented gay men and women from adopting children. Glen and Mike's relationship is always tenuous and always turbulent as they struggle to define themselves together and alone.
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This feature documentary tells the complex and touching story of Winnipeg city councilor Glen Murray and his 17-year-old adopted son Mike, whose struggles with addiction and behavioural problems cyclically repeat. Glen, now an Ontario Member of Provincial Parliament, was one of the first openly gay elected politicians in Canada. He adopted Mike during an era when homophobic stereotypes often prevented gay men and women from adopting children. Glen and Mike's relationship is always tenuous and always turbulent as they struggle to define themselves together and alone.
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directorAndrew Koster
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producerJoe MacDonald
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executive producerChes Yetman
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scriptBob Lower
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cinematographyCharles Konowal
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soundNorman Dugas
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musicNorman Dugas
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editingKelly Saxberg
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sound editingGloria ThorsteinsonClive Perry
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re-recordingJean-Pierre JoutelShelley Craig
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narratorGlen Murray
A family of orientation refers to the family into which someone is born. A family of procreation describes one that is formed through marriage. How can one describe Glenn and Mike’s family? Mike’s many external issues with drug use, poverty and homelessness become barriers to moving ahead with his life. Discuss how his foster father is able to support him through these circumstances. In your own community, what services are available to homeless or street-involved youth? What services do they provide?
