Behind the Scenes of Because She's Adopted: A Filmmaker's Journey with Kristal Parke - Ep 148 Unraveling Adoption

"I truly felt the weight of the world telling the story. I felt like it was a great responsibility, but I had to do it." -- Kristal Parke
Read the transcript here:
https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01HZE3F00W8S92RJM8N2F3METT
EPISODE SUMMARY:
In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kristal Parke, an adoptee and filmmaker behind the acclaimed documentary Because She's Adopted. Kristal shared her journey of self-discovery and identity exploration through the creation of her film, which delves into her childhood, reunion with her birth mother, struggle with addiction, and intentional reconnection with her Indigenous heritage. The film has received critical acclaim and won awards, shedding light on the complexities of adoption.
Kristal discussed the impact of her film on her family, crew, and herself, highlighting the vulnerability and growth that came with sharing her story. She emphasized the importance of owning her narrative and the evolution of her understanding of adoption. The podcast episode also touched on the behind-the-scenes process of creating the documentary, including the support of her adoptive family, crew members, and the challenges and joys of filming.
Listeners were encouraged to watch the film, which is set to be officially released by fall 2024. Kristal shared details on how to stay connected with updates and screenings.
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📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar
✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing
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RESOURCES:
Kristal’s information:
Check our Kristal’s film’s website to keep informed of future events: KristalParke.net
Follow the film at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551013663413
Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becauseshesadopted/
Email Kristal at Kristal@BecauseShesAdopted.com
Watch a trailer of the film Because She’s Adopted: https://youtu.be/uCnQPDnxgA0?si=VY6e4ZvgfbyTHzXF
Catch the Hiraeth Hope & Healing screening on June 15, 2024: https://www.hiraethhopeandhealing.com/because-shes-adopted
 
Other Resources:
APtitude Support Group for Adoptive Parents Facing Adoption’s Challenges: UnravelingAdoption.com/APtitude
Other Parents Like Me - oplm.com 
Heather Ross - Life Coaching for Parents who have a child struggling with addiction: https://heatherrosscoaching.com/
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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson
Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao
Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption
Check out our website: www.UnravelingAdoption.com
Create your own podcast through Libsyn: https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION
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Timestamps:
00:00:02 - Introduction to Kristal Parke: Beth introduces Kristal Parke, a Canadian adoptee and filmmaker, and talks about her acclaimed documentary "Because She's Adopted."
00:05:31 - Unique Adoption Story: Kristal shares the unique story of how she was chosen based on her gender for adoption.
00:10:18 - Residential School Trauma: Kristal discusses the traumatic experiences of Indigenous children in Canadian residential schools.
00:12:26 - Reunion with Birth Mother: Kristal recounts her emotional reunion with her birth mother and meeting her older brother.
00:14:58 - Impact on Family: Kristal reflects on how her family, including her brothers and father, were affected by the documentary.
00:17:43 - Supportive Husband: Kristal talks about the role of her husband in the docu