Everyday Activist - Call Me Dad (MLJFF 2016)

Posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 06:30 PM

Call Me Dad (MLJFF 2016)

Movie Review by Everyday Activist X CalgaryMovies.com

This documentary follows families as they deal with issues of domestic violence. While they have a women’s group, the film makers spend most of the time focusing on the men’s group and their issues managing their responses and reactions to stress. When I think about domestic violence rarely would I consider something as simple as group counseling to be an effective method to address such a complicated issue. The movie proves otherwise as we see the men understand how their behavior affects others.

Because of the way western society is structured there aren’t a lot ways that men can support one another, outside of the military. The men in the program aren’t treated as criminals, though the counselors make clear that violence is never okay. The counselors themselves have been either perpetrators or victims of violence, so they actually do understand where these people are coming from. Some of the therapy exercises and conversations were heartbreaking. Yet everyone persevered and participated.

The families of these men overall were quite supportive, despite the situation. One woman ended up leaving her two daughters with her partner. In the film the daughters agreed that their mother was strong to have the courage to leave rather than blame her for abandoning the family. In counseling the group leaders made it clear to the men that they are never to put down, belittle or shame their partners no matter how upset they are with them, because it ultimately negatively impacts the children. The goal is to create a better world for the children by breaking the cycle of violence rather than perpetuating it.

The documentary was made in Australia, but I hope more groups around the world have a similar model. Even in the film, the counselor says that more men should follow this group’s example to have the courage to seek help from professionals and their peers. Simple interventions such as these could save someone’s life. Another great film to catch on Netflix is The Mask We Live In which goes into some of the reasons why men are at risk for increased levels of violence.

Call Me Dad will be screening at the Marda Loop Justice Film Festival 2016 on Saturday November 19th at 7:45 pm at Riverpark Church. Admission is free and the speakers will be present to discuss the issue and answer questions.

Marcus Cheung is the Male Domestic Abuse Outreach Program Coordinator at the Calgary Counseling Centre. He has a Masters of Social Work- Clinical Stream, and has worked extensively serving men and boys and other vulnerable populations. In his current role at the Calgary Counseling Centre, he sits on numerous committees that focus on family violence prevention. His practice experience also includes working with the RCMP and military populations who are affected by post-traumatic stress and other mental health conditions.

Christine Berry is a registered psychologist has extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families and groups in the area of family violence. She has worked in the non-profit sector as a therapist, educator, supervisor, and researcher and has been the Director of the Family Violence Prevention Initiatives at the Calgary Counselling Centre since 2005. She has worked in the area of family violence for the past 17 years and has been involved in the development of numerous community programs including the Men's Domestic Conflict Help Line, the Male Domestic Abuse Outreach program and Homefront. She is a member of over a dozen community committees in the area of family violence.

Calgary Showtimes: Marda Loop Justice Film Festival 2016 > | Call Me Dad >