Destiny's
Children (2001)
A short and sweet documentary, "Destiny's
Children" shows one man's struggle to adopt a child.
Of course, this is a gay man, so the struggle is compounded.
Living with a long time companion who eventually succumbs
to AIDS, excommunicated Mormon David McKinstry, finds
many trying to help him in his effort. But their well
intentioned help often send McKinstry into a whirl
of red tape and agency idiocy. He is often struggling
to identify himself as a gay man who wants to adopt.
Told in a straight-forward manner and
utilizing video footage, some of it seemingly shot
by McKinstry himself, the film tells it's interesting
and unique tale in just 18 minutes.
McKinstry eventually finds his dreams
coming true twofold after a 17 year wait. Adopting
a child from India, he also befriends a young woman
with AIDS who asks him to adopt her son when she dies.
She dies within 7 weeks. Watching McKinstry with his
sons, you never doubt him. He seems an excellent father.
Touching, important and full of joy,
"Destiny's Children" exemplifies the best in short
filmmaking. It tells its story with clarity and brevity.
The unadorned honesty will touch you.
