In My Father’s House is a touching and thought-provoking documentary written and directed by Anne Sundberg and Ricki Stern. The film follows rapper Che ‘Rhymefest’ Smith as he reunites with his estranged father Brian. Through all the ups and downs, the two men work hard to learn where they fit into each other’s lives now, discovering how their own identities are shaped by one another. (JEP: 4/5)
Review by Contributing Editor Jessica E. Perry
In My Father’s House was directed by Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg, and written by the pair and Pax Wassermann. The thought-provoking documentary follows rapper Che ‘Rhymefest’ Smith as he questions his identity and legacy, reuniting as an adult with his estranged father.
The film opens with a list of staggering statistics about how many children grow up without fathers, and how the absent parent affects these children when they’ve become adults.
Like many families, Che grew up in a single-parent household. He can count on one hand how many times he’s met his father, and the lack of knowing his father has affected him into adulthood. He questions his identity, where he comes from, and who he is, because of an absent father figure.
After a fairly successful early rap career—including a Grammy win for co-writing Kayne West’s hit track Jesus Walks—Che returns to Chicago and, with his new wife, ventures to become a homeowner. His father’s childhood home happens to be on the market at the same time they start looking for a house. Che’s wife believes that it is his legacy to make a better home in this house for his own children then his father had ever given him.
So Che purchases the house, and makes it a home for his wife and kids. However, living in his father’s childhood home brings up unresolved feelings that bring Che make the decision to track down his father in order to get answers to questions he has had all his life.
Che quickly finds his father Brian, a struggling alcoholic living homeless in Chicago for over 20 years. Brian and Che reunite and attempt to make up for lost time. The two work hard to be a part of each other’s lives. Che works hard to help his father get off the streets, helping him until he can sign his first-ever lease on an apartment. Brian does his best to stop drinking, attending meetings and replacing alcohol with pop.
Life has its ups and downs and no one is perfect. In My Father’s House does not attempt to tell you it is. Che and Brian’s broken relationship is not suddenly whole, but instead, the film reminds us just how important family is, no matter the circumstances.
Journey with Che as he discovers his identity and plants the roots for his own legacy. Sundberg and Stern have brought us an award-winning thought-provoking documentary on the meaning and importance of both family and one’s own identity.
© Jessica E. Perry FF2 Media (10/11/15)
Top Photo: In My Father’s House movie poster.
Middle Photo: Che and his father reunite for the first time in 25 years.
Bottom Photo: Brian and Che share a meal as father and son.
Photo Credits: Break Thru Films
Q: Does In My Father’s House pass the Bechdel Test?
No.
Heya i am for the primary time here. I came across this board and I find It
truly helpful & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back
and help others like you helped me.
Hello to every body, it’s my first pay a quick visit of this weblog; this
weblog contains awesome and truly good data designed for readers.
It’s an awesome article in support of all the web viewers; they will take benefit from it I am sure.
Hi! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay.
I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Fantastic goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too wonderful.
I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like
what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise.
I cant wait to read far more from you. This is
really a terrific web site.
Hey there are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new
to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and set up my own.
Do you need any coding knowledge to make your own blog?
Any help would be really appreciated!
Your style is very unique compared to other people I’ve read
stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I will just book mark this blog.
Hi, its fastidious article concerning media print, we all be aware of media is a impressive source of facts.
Very rapidly this web site will be famous amid all
blogging visitors, due to it’s fastidious content
What’s up colleagues, how is the whole thing, and what you would like to say about this post, in my view its
genuinely amazing designed for me.
Thank you for sharing your info. I really appreciate your efforts
and I will be waiting for your further post thanks once again.
Great web site. A lot of useful information here.
I’m sending it to several friends ans also sharing in delicious.
And of course, thanks to your sweat!
When I initially commented I appear to have clicked the -Notify me
when new comments are added- checkbox and now every time a
comment is added I receive four emails with the same comment.
Perhaps there is a way you can remove me from that service?
Cheers!
What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of precious know-how on the topic of
unexpected feelings.
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it.
Look advanced to more added agreeable from you!
However, how can we communicate?
Ahaa, its fastidious dialogue on the topic of this post here at this
blog, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting
at this place.
This is the right webpage for anyone who would like to understand
this topic. You understand a whole lot its almost hard to argue with you (not that I personally
would want to…HaHa). You certainly put a brand new spin on a topic that has
been discussed for a long time. Excellent stuff, just great!
Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all folks you
actually realize what you are speaking approximately!
Bookmarked. Kindly also consult with my site =). We will have a hyperlink alternate
agreement among us
That is a really good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere.
Short but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read post!
I am actually thankful to the owner of this web page who has shared this fantastic paragraph at here.
Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after reading through some of the post I
realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and
checking back frequently!
Please let me know if you’re looking for a writer for your blog.
You have some really great articles and I feel I would be a good asset.
If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some content for your blog in exchange
for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested.
Regards!
Hi, always i used to check weblog posts here early in the daylight, for the reason that i enjoy to gain knowledge of more and
more.
What’s up to all, it’s really a pleasant for me to pay a
quick visit this web page, it consists of priceless Information.
Wonderful post however I was wondering if you could write
a litte more on this topic? I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
Kudos!
Every weekend i used to visit this site, because i wish for
enjoyment, for the reason that this this web page conations really nice
funny information too.
I was suggested this web site via my cousin. I’m no longer certain whether this submit
is written by means of him as nobody else understand such targeted
about my problem. You’re amazing! Thanks!
Hey! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it very hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal
but I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any ideas
or suggestions? Thanks
I was wondering if you ever considered changing the structure
of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to say.
But maybe you could a little more in the way of content so people could connect with it better.
Youve got an awful lot of text for only having one or 2 pictures.
Maybe you could space it out better?
For the reason that the admin of this web site is working,
no hesitation very rapidly it will be well-known, due
to its feature contents.
This info is invaluable. When can I find out more?
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who has been doing
a little research on this. And he in fact bought me lunch simply
because I discovered it for him… lol. So allow me to
reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending time to discuss this topic here on your web site.
I just like the helpful information you supply on your articles.
I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.
I am slightly certain I will be told many new stuff proper here!
Best of luck for the next!
I am sure this article has touched all the internet people, its really really pleasant paragraph on building up
new weblog.
Superb blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a
paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally overwhelmed ..
Any ideas? Bless you!
Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my blog
thus i came to go back the prefer?.I am trying to to find things
to enhance my website!I suppose its good enough
to use a few of your ideas!!
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or advice.
Perhaps you can write next articles referring to this article.
I want to read even more things about it!
This info is priceless. Where can I find out more?
What’s up, I check your new stuff daily. Your story-telling style is witty,
keep doing what you’re doing!
Hello there! I know this is somewhat off topic
but I was wondering which blog platform are you using for
this website? I’m getting fed up of WordPress because I’ve had issues with hackers and I’m looking at options for another platform.
I would be fantastic if you could point me
in the direction of a good platform.
Quality posts is the important to interest the viewers
to pay a visit the web site, that’s what this web page is providing.
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I definitely enjoyed reading it, you’re a great author.
I will be sure to bookmark your blog and will come back in the foreseeable future.
I want to encourage that you continue your great work, have a nice evening!
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously feel this web site needs much more attention.
I’ll probably be back again to read more, thanks for the info!
I have read so many content on the topic of the blogger lovers but this article is really a
nice post, keep it up.
I was curious if you ever thought of changing the layout
of your website? Its very well written; I love what youve got to
say. But maybe you could a little more in the way of content
so people could connect with it better. Youve got an awful lot
of text for only having one or 2 images. Maybe you could space it out better?
After looking at a few of the blog posts on your web page,
I truly like your way of blogging. I saved as a favorite it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future.
Please check out my website too and let me know
what you think.
Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche.
Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You
have done a outstanding job!
I think the admin of this site is genuinely working hard for his web page,
for the reason that here every data is quality based stuff.
This design is steller! You definitely know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Excellent job.
I really loved what you had to say, and more than that,
how you presented it. Too cool!
This web site certainly has all the information I wanted about this subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Hi to every body, it’s my first visit of this webpage; this blog carries amazing and in fact fine
stuff for readers.
What’s Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has aided
me out loads. I’m hoping to give a contribution & aid other
users like its aided me. Good job.
Hello colleagues, its impressive piece of writing about teachingand completely defined, keep it up all the time.
Incredible quest there. What occurred after? Thanks!
I absolutely love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme.
Did you create this website yourself? Please reply back as I’m hoping to create my own personal site and want
to learn where you got this from or what the theme is called.
Thank you!
If some one wishes to be updated with newest technologies afterward he must be visit this website and be
up to date everyday.
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was curious
what all is required to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any suggestions
or advice would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks
certainly like your web-site but you have to check
the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them
are rife with spelling issues and I to find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I’ll surely
come back again.
Hi colleagues, pleasant article and good urging commented at this place, I
am genuinely enjoying by these.
Hello would you mind stating which blog platform you’re
working with? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
The reason I ask is because your design and style
seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!
What’s up to all, the contents existing at this website are
genuinely amazing for people experience, well, keep up the
good work fellows.
Tremendous things here. I’m very satisfied to peer your post.
Thanks so much and I’m having a look ahead to touch you.
Will you kindly drop me a mail?
Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I get in fact enjoyed account your blog
posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even I achievement you access consistently rapidly.
Your style is so unique in comparison to other people
I’ve read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you’ve got the opportunity, Guess I
will just book mark this page.
Piece of writing writing is also a excitement,
if you know then you can write if not it is difficult to write.
When I originally commented I seem to have
clicked the -Notify me when new comments are added-
checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails
with the same comment. There has to be an easy method you
can remove me from that service? Kudos!
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate
you writing this article and also the rest of the site is also very good.
This info is invaluable. When can I find out more?
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Wonderful post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a
little bit more. Appreciate it!
Wow, this post is pleasant, my younger sister is analyzing such
things, thus I am going to convey her.
It’s going to be finish of mine day, however before finish I
am reading this wonderful paragraph to increase my knowledge.
I enjoy reading through an article that will make men and
women think. Also, many thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It actually used to be a entertainment account it.
Glance complex to more delivered agreeable from you!
By the way, how could we be in contact?
Heya i am for the primary time here. I found
this board and I to find It truly useful & it helped me
out a lot. I’m hoping to give something back and help others like you helped me.
I visited multiple blogs except the audio feature for audio
songs existing at this website is actually superb.
Incredible points. Great arguments. Keep up the good work.
Highly energetic post, I loved that a lot. Will there be a part 2?
I am really impressed with your writing skills and also with the layout on your
weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it yourself?
Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a nice blog
like this one these days.
I think that everything published made a great deal of sense.
But, think about this, what if you were to write a killer headline?
I ain’t suggesting your content is not good., but what if you added
something to maybe grab people’s attention? I mean IN MY FATHER’S HOUSE – FF2 Media is kinda vanilla.
You should glance at Yahoo’s home page and see how they
create article headlines to get people to open the links.
You might try adding a video or a pic or two to get readers interested about everything’ve written. Just my opinion, it would bring your website a little livelier.
Great article! This is the kind of info that are meant to be
shared around the web. Shame on the seek engines for now
not positioning this post higher! Come on over and seek advice
from my web site . Thank you =)
I will right away take hold of your rss as I can not to find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
Do you’ve any? Please allow me know so that I may subscribe.
Thanks.
If you desire to obtain a good deal from this paragraph then you have to apply such methods to your won web site.
Thank you for another informative site. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such an ideal way?
I have a undertaking that I’m just now operating on, and I’ve been at the look out for
such info.
whoah this blog is wonderful i like reading your articles.
Keep up the great work! You understand, many persons are looking around for this info, you can help
them greatly.
Every weekend i used to visit this website, because i wish for enjoyment, as this this website conations actually nice funny information too.
It’s truly a nice and helpful piece of info.
I’m glad that you simply shared this helpful information with us.
Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks very interesting blog!
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my
own weblog and was wondering what all is required to get setup?
I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
I’m not very web savvy so I’m not 100% positive.
Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Appreciate it
This website really has all the information I needed concerning this
subject and didn’t know who to ask.
Truly when someone doesn’t be aware of afterward its up to
other people that they will assist, so here it happens.
Useful info. Lucky me I found your site unintentionally, and I am shocked why this twist of fate
did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon everyday.
It’s always useful to read content from other writers and use a little something from
their sites.
Hi there all, here every person is sharing these kinds of
experience, thus it’s pleasant to read this webpage, and
I used to pay a visit this website daily.
I couldn’t refrain from commenting. Well written!
Hey there! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but
I can figure things out pretty fast. I’m thinking
about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to
begin. Do you have any points or suggestions? Cheers
This is my first time visit at here and i am truly pleassant to read
all at one place.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought this publish
was good. I don’t understand who you are but certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger if
you are not already. Cheers!
Hi there! I just would like to give you a huge thumbs up for the great information you
have here on this post. I’ll be returning to your blog for more soon.
Article writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted with after that
you can write or else it is complex to write.
Thank you for sharing your info. I truly appreciate your efforts and I will be waiting for your next post thank you once again.
Asking questions are actually good thing if you are not understanding something fully, but this paragraph provides fastidious understanding even.