REPLAY Behind the Scenes of Because She's Adopted: A Filmmaker's Journey with Kristal Parke - Ep 178

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_01JG7AR0SN4Y6M7WW6E7WEK0AT

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kristal Parke, a talented filmmaker and adoptee, about her acclaimed documentary, Because She's Adopted. As we kick off 2025, we are excited to offer a replay of our conversation, which dives deep into the complexities of adoption and the personal journey Kristal undertook while creating her film.

Kristal shares her experiences growing up as a Canadian adoptee, her reunion with her birth mother, and her struggles with addiction and identity. We discuss the unique aspects of her story, including the impact of her Indigenous heritage and the challenges she faced in reconnecting with that part of herself. Kristal's film has resonated with many, winning awards and touching the hearts of viewers, including her own family and film crew.

Throughout our conversation, we explore the emotional weight of telling one's story and the healing that comes from vulnerability. Kristal's journey not only highlights the importance of understanding adoption from multiple perspectives but also emphasizes the ongoing impact it has on families and future generations.

Join us for a screening of Because She's Adopted on January 11th, 2025, where you can engage with Kristal and ask questions about her powerful work. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the complexities of adoption and the importance of sharing our stories. Thank you for listening, and I hope you enjoy this insightful conversation with Kristal Parke.

Join Kristal for an online screening of Because She’s Adopted on January 11, 2025, at 4pm PST / 7pm EST, including a Q&A with Kristal afterwards. More information and tickets are here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/online-screening-of-kristal-parkes-documentary-because-shes-adopted-wqa-tickets-1097838266809?aff=oddtdtcreator

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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 [e-mail]

• Watch a trailer of the film Because She’s Adopted: https://youtu.be/uCnQPDnxgA0?si=VY6e4ZvgfbyTHzXF

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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 [e-mail]

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube

Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption

Check out our website: www.UnravelingAdoption.com

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Timestamps:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to Unraveling Adoption Introduction to the podcast and host Beth Syverson.

• 00:01:15 - Introducing Krystal Parke Overview of Krystal Park and her film "Because She's Adopted."

• 00:02:24 - The Impact of the Film Krystal shares her hopes for the film and its emotional impact.

• 00:04:33 - Support from Adoptive Parents Discussion on her adoptive parents' reactions to the film.

• 00:05:06 - Reunion with Birth Family Krystal talks about her reunion with her birth mother.

• 00:06:58 - Exploring Identity and Gender The complexities of identity and gender expectations in adoption.

• 00:08:19 - Indigenous Heritage Krystal discusses her Indigenous roots and reconnection challenges.

• 00:10:29 - Journey to Manitoba Details about her significant trip to Manitoba.

• 00:11:26 - Understanding Residential Schools Explanation of the impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples.

• 00:13:09 - The Sixties Scoop Discussion on the Sixties Scoop and its effects on her birth mother.

• 00:14:58 - Reunion Reflections Reflections on the emotional complexities of her reunion.

• 00:16:09 - Family Support in Filmmaking Importance of family support during the filmmaking process.

• 00:18:44 - Brothers' Perspectives Insights from her brothers about adoption and family dynamics.

• 00:19:51 - The Role of Humor in the Film How humor was used to balance the film's heavy themes.

• 00:20:45 - Children's Reactions Her children's understanding and support for the film.

• 00:21:51 - Cultural Connections Significance of cultural identity for her children.

• 00:23:44 - Filming Experience Memorable moments and dynamics of the filming process.

• 00:26:02 - Personal Growth Through Filmmaking Krystal reflects on her growth and understanding of her story.

• 00:27:43 - Future Aspirations Discussion on potential future projects and self-discovery.

• 00:29:34 - Closing Remarks Beth wraps up the episode and encourages listener engagement.