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Streaming January 10-23, 2025 Digital Screening Room

USA | 51 minutes | 2024

My Father's Garden

North American Premiere

In My Father’s Garden, a 48-year-old recently divorced gay man, Udi, embarks on the journey of fatherhood with the help of a surrogate, while grappling with the decline of his 81-year-old father, Natan, who battles vascular dementia. Their strained relationship began twenty-five years ago when Udi came out, a moment Natan met with harsh disapproval and rejection. As Natan faces the challenges of dementia, Udi seizes the opportunity to reconnect by filming their experiences together. This action leads to intimate conversations that bridge their longstanding divide, allowing Udi to take down the emotional barriers he built and foster a deeper empathy for his father. Through candid conversations and shared moments, they find a path to forgiveness and understanding. Their story unfolds with hope, laughter, and profound human connection, inspiring us all.

Director's Bio

Directed by Udi Zaken

Director Photo
Udi Zaken began his career as a psychiatrist, building one of California's largest outpatient mental health practices before transitioning into filmmaking. As a documentarian, he draws on his background in psychiatry to explore complex human stories, directing films such as I Am, Elena, and The Link.

Cast and Credits

Director

Udi Zaken

Screenwriter

Udi Zaken

Cinematographer

Jun Gao, Lee Sungbin

Editor

Udi Zaken

Cast

Udi Zaken, Natan Zaken, Margalit Zaken, Keneret Zaken

Film Info

Year

2024

Country

USA

Run-time

51 minutes

Language

English and Hebrew with English subtitles
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