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Documentary Conceiving Family set for Nelson premiere

Nelson Daily Editor
By Nelson Daily Editor
September 17th, 2011

The sound of a zipper opens the film, letting us into the tent where Amy asks Jane, “So…?” Jane answers with a resounding, “Yes!” and we are instantly brought along on this same-sex couple’s journey to having a child. 

Less than two years later, Bohigian, a filmmaker and educator, and her partner, Jane, from Nelson, bring their new children, Franny and Theo, home on Valentine’s Day and start their new life as parents of toddler twins.

“The experience was so heart-wrenching and amazing all at once,” says Bohigian, “that is was impossible not to document pieces of our experience as it was happening.”

One such piece includes confronting the Christian Fundamentalist foster parents who express fear that the children they’ve cared for since birth will, “grow up to be gay” with parents who are “going to hell for their sins.

“Living together for two weeks was required to help transition the kid’s from their home to ours, so you can imagine the challenges and opportunities that presented for all of us to transcend our differences.”

Bohigian’s experiences inspired her to connect with four other same-sex couple’s throughout the province with the purpose to tell their stories of starting a family.

With funding from the Victoria Foundation, Bohigian was able to complete an hour-long documentary that brings us into the trying and tender moments each couple experienced throughout the adoption process.

Nelson’s premiere of Conceiving Family is on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Nelson’s Capitol Theatre, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m.

Katherine Pettit’s, Dancing with the Moon, will open the night. The film follows her through the challenges of conceiving her daughter and features the original music of Adham Shaikh. 

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 250 352-6363 or going online: http://www.capitoltheatre.bc.ca/

Conceiving Family, set for release this fall, is attracting potential distributors and broadcasters.

“I know this story will connect with all types of people far beyond the gay and adoption communities. It’s universal. It’s about being a true family,” said Bohigian.

For more information about Conceiving Family and to get a copy of the film, visit the film’s website at: www.conceivingfamily.com and visit the Facebook Page, Conceiving Family – The Film.

Dancing with the Moon

@ The Capitol Theatre, Saturday, Sept. 17, 8 p.m.

Dancing with the Moon is an animated short autobiographical documentary that profiles Katherine Pettit (director/producer) on her troubling encounter with infertility.

The hope to conceive dwindles and despair hits when Katherine is diagnosed with the enigmatic disorder PCOS – Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome.

PCOS is the most common hormonal disorder among women of reproductive age, and is a leading cause of infertility. The doctor recommends a harsh fertility drug that could put Katherine’s health at risk.

Determined to conceive naturally, Katherine tries a curious, yet non-invasive treatment – Lunaception, coupled with a three-month diet cleanse and the use of natural remedies prescribed by a naturopath doctor.

The documentary was funded by the BC Arts Council, was animated by a Nelson native, Sam MacKinnon, and features the music of the Slocan Valley’s Adham Shaikh.

“I made the film for women who are struggling to get pregnant,” said Pettit. “There are natural, non-invasive options that are not part mainstream knowledge. This film is intended to spread that knowledge.”

Nelson-based documentary company Sand KMT Productions Inc. is premiering the film.

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