Written by Sofie Hubbard Warshafsky for THE ARTISTS FORUM MAGAZINE
Edited by Amos White V for THE ARTISTS FORUM, INC
Photos: Sofie Hubbard Warshafsky and the Athena Film Festival
Graphic: Courtesy of Lifetime TV
REVIEWER RATING:
5 out of 5 stars
I AM SOMEBODY’S CHILD: THE REGINA LOUISE STORY
NEW YORK, NY (March 4, 2019) On February 28th, Barnard’s Athena Film Festival hosted the world premiere of I Am Somebody’s Child: The Regina Louise Story. A Lifetime Television Network movie about the true story of Regina Louise, author of Someone Has Led This Child to Believe.
This story highlights the tumultuous road of growing up in the foster care system, and the struggle to find love and stability in the face of adversity. The film follows young Louise (played by Angela Fairley) on her journey through over 30 foster homes and psychiatric facilities before age 18; facing the racial and social components that weave into shaping her identity and relationships. Along the way, Louise forms a bond with Jeanne (Ginnifer Goodwin), a white woman who attempts to adopt her, but is rejected due to the restrictive racial legal proceedings. Louise wrestles to find the strength to push forward in a broken system that depends on the abandonment of children. Eventually, Louise is reconnected with the woman who loved and cared for her the most, officially adopting Louise after 25 years.
Today, Louise is an advocate for youth in the foster care system, a memoirist, and motivational speaker. She is a bold presence exemplifying strength and courage that transcends the screen and lives within each and every viewer. The profundity of this film expresses Louise’s message, which is the desire for every human being to be “somebody’s someone.”
A panel discussion was held directly after the film’s world premiere. Panelists consisted of You Gotta Believe’s Executive Director Mary Keane and the organization’s Senior Advocate for Youth Rosie Williams, cast members Sherri Saum and Angela Fairley, filmmaker Regina Louise, and panel moderator Opal H. Bennett. Louise discussed how important it is for young black girls going through similar experiences to be represented as well as representation for herself, along with “every other girl no matter race, creed, or nationality.”
The power of this movie exceeds the confinements of a system that is structurally broken and sets young children up to fail. It is a movie that provides hope, optimism, and healing for everyone who wishes to be somebody’s someone.
For more information about Regina Louise Story, visit: mylifetime.com/movies/i-am-somebodys-child-the-regina-louise-story
