Netflix acquires documentary short "The Dads"

Netflix is always a staple in the documentary shorts Oscar race and earlier this week they announced the acquisition of documentary short The Dads directed by Luchina Fisher and executive produced by retired NBA player Dwayne Wade. As Netflix typically doesn't qualify their films through festival wins, they would have to give it a theatrical qualifying run to be considered for the Oscars, and given their record it wouldn't be surprising if they did so.

Here are the details

Plot Summary:

When five fathers of trans children join Dennis Shepard, the father of slain gay college student Matthew Shepard, for a weekend fishing trip in rural Oklahoma, they find common purpose across races, generations and experiences. As the men cast their rods into the river, they discuss what has brought them together: the love for their children. The Dads is a quiet meditation on fatherhood, brotherhood and manhood.

Quote from director Luchina Fisher:

“I am so thrilled to partner with Netflix to get The Dads out to the world. I can’t think of a more critical moment for this film to reach people across the globe at a time of intense anti-trans rhetoric and legislation. The film is a love letter from these fathers to their trans and LGBTQ children. Yes, they talk about their fears and concerns for their children's safety. Yes, they share their most vulnerable moments of confusion and doubt while raising their children. But, they also laugh and experience the joy of being together on this journey while inviting others to join them. It was a profound honor to capture these fathers finding a new brotherhood across racial, geographical and generational lines through the love of their children. And I am delighted to have Dwyane Wade, an outspoken and loving ally of his daughter and the trans and LGBTQ community, join me in bringing greater visibility to the film and the important conversations it is already sparking.”

Quote from Executive Producer Dwayne Wade:

"I am incredibly proud to be joining Luchina Fisher and the entire team on this journey to bring awareness to a cause that is so close to my heart. The Dads shows us the power of fathers loving and supporting their LGBTQ children, breaking through the barriers of prejudice, embracing diversity, and coming together to have these important conversations. I look forward to providing an additional voice to amplify this important conversation so that all kids have unconditional love and acceptance for who they truly are."