“Nothing in the Hollywood imagination can compete with the plot of Donor Unknown.”
— Kate Spicer, The Sunday Times
Donor Unknown
Feature Documentary • 2011 • 80’ • UK
Credits
Director: Jerry Rothwell
Producers: Hilary Durman, Al Morrow
Executive Producer: Jonny Persey
Partners: Arte G.E.I.E, More 4, VPRO, Sundance Institute Documentary Film Programme, Gucci Tribeca Documentary Fund, Wellcome Trust, Naked Edge Films
For the first time in history a generation of children born through artificial insemination are old enough to search for their biological fathers. DONOR UNKNOWN will follow two young people as they first decide and then travel to meet their father for the first time and as they navigate the increasingly complex maze of new and constantly evolving family relationships.
In the past, parents of donor-conceived children were encouraged to stay silent to protect the child. Now, there is more emphasis on openness and honesty, and on the rights of children to know their genetic parents. But this is unknown territory, the first generation of children making an extraordinary journey through a minefield of secret hopes and potential disappointment.
Awards & Festivals
Audience Award
— Tribeca Film Festival 2011
Audience Award
— AFI/Discovery Channel Silverdocs 2011
Best Self Shooting for Director Jerry Rothwell
— RTS Awards 2011
Grierson Award [Nominee]
— BFI London Film Festival 2011
Sheffield Documentary Film Festival 2010
IDFA 2010
Reviews
“Nothing in the Hollywood imagination can compete with the plot of Donor Unknown.”
— Kate Spicer, The Sunday Times
“Surprising, amusing and oddly melancholic: a genuine human drama.”
— Time Out
“A fascinating journey into identity and family.”
— LA Times
“A skilfully constructed look at a very modern family.”
— Total Film
