As we embrace the year 2025, let’s look back at the remarkable film “Daddy Don’t Go,” a poignant work by acclaimed filmmaker Emily Abt. Delving into the heart of the often overlooked societal issue of fatherlessness, this film sets out to challenge the stereotypes surrounding disadvantaged men and their journey of parenthood. Today, we will revisit this compelling film and its impact on society, years its premier. Let’s dive into the complexities of fatherhood under socioeconomic duress and the enduring relevance of this cinematic piece.
Daddy Don’t Go: A Captivating Journey Through Parenthood
DADDY DON’T GO, a film by Emily Abt, was executive produced by Omar Epps (Resurrection) &” target=”_blank”>; Malik Yoba (Empire). It had its initial premiere on Vimeo on Father’s Day, several years ago.
Nick Schager of VARIETY described it as a “Nuanced and heartrending work”. Joshua Brunsting from CRITERION CAST referred to it as “An emotional piece of work…one that had to be made and now needs to be seen”.
Fatherlessness: A Disturbing Social Issue
The film highlights the fact that more than half of African- children and over 40 percent of Latino children in New York City are growing up without fathers. Fatherlessness is one of the most urgent social issues facing families today, linked to alarming rates of child poverty and incarceration. It brings to light that fatherless children are more than twice as likely to drop out of high school and nine times more likely to break the law than their peers raised in two-parent homes.
The Narrative of Daddy Don’t Go
DADDY DON’T GO follows the lives of four young fathers – Alex, Nelson, Roy, and Omar – as they navigate parenthood. Filmed over two years, it gives viewers extraordinary access into the daily lives of its subjects, removing the negative lens through which underprivileged fathers are often viewed. It provides a new image of the family where men can be present fathers despite limited means and certain obstacles.
About The Filmmaker
Emily Abt, one of Variety Magazine’s “Top 10 Directors to Watch,” has produced and directed documentaries for several platforms, including PBS, OWN, MTV, Showtime, and the Sundance Channel. She has earned her MFA from Columbia University and received a Fulbright fellowship for her thesis film. Her other notable works include TAKE IT FROM ME and ALL OF US. Her first narrative feature, TOE TO TOE, premiered at Sundance 2009 and AUDREY’S RUN is currently in development.
Find more about DADDY DON’T GO via https://vimeo.com/ondemand/ daddydontgo
The film has a run time of 89 minutes, was made in the USA, and is in English.
Hashtags: #DaddyDontGo #EmilyAbt #Fatherhood #DocumentaryFilm #SocialIssues
