Enjoying its International Premiere March 7 in Thessaloniki’s Open Horizons section, Craig Downing’s Dad Genes tells the story of Aaron Long, a former sperm donor, whose discovery that he has fathered dozens of children thrusts him into the global spotlight and transforms him from anonymous donor to unconventional family man.
Dad Genes Synopsis
For years, Aaron Long was a happily unmarried man living a single life in Seattle. He lived in a tiny room in a funky, cooperatively-run building alongside fellow artists and bohemians. When not playing ultimate frisbee or performing experimental music, he spent much of his free time caring for his aging mother.
That life changed practically overnight thanks to a 21st-century combination of old-fashioned curiosity and cutting-edge technology. Back in the mid-90s, Aaron had been a sperm donor as an easy way to make some extra cash. Two decades later, he registers with 23andMe and discovers he has several biological children (with more to be discovered).
Aaron invites several of his newly discovered children to spend time with him at a “Meet My Kids” party. Not long after, an unusual household forms: two of the children, the mother (Jess) of one, and Aaron’s own mother are all living in the same Seattle co-op.
Even more unexpectedly, Aaron and Jess develop a romantic relationship, creating one of the most unconventional blended families imaginable. After Aaron shares his saga in The New York Times Modern Love column, the unlikely clan experiences worldwide media exposure and grapples with the allure of celebrity.
The film is produced by Matt Isaac of New York-based Signal Brigade and edited by Sara Barger.
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