📖 Synopsis

Finding Life is an intimate, emotionally driven documentary that follows a diverse group of gay and lesbian couples as they pursue their dream of starting families through the U.S. foster care and adoption system.

The film reveals the barriers, fears, and perseverance of LGBTQ+ parents, confronting legal red tape, outdated social norms, and deeply personal struggles — all in the name of building a home full of love.

These stories remind us that family is not defined by biology — but by the courage to show up, stay present, and love unconditionally.

🎬 Watch the Film

Streaming worldwide now via Syndicado.

Watch the Full Film

🎙️ Director’s Statement

As a mixed-race filmmaker who didn’t know my biological father growing up, I’ve always been drawn to stories about identity, family, and the longing for connection. Finding Life was never just a documentary — it was a personal mission to shine a light on the families society too often ignores or misunderstands.

The couples featured in this film opened their homes and hearts during one of the most vulnerable and emotional journeys of their lives — becoming parents. Some were navigating broken systems. Others were facing social or legal discrimination. All of them were showing up for children who needed love, stability, and a place to belong.

Telling their stories felt like telling parts of my own. Not because I’m a parent — but because I understand what it’s like to search for where you fit. Finding Life is about chosen family, about truth, and about the undeniable power of love to break cycles and build something new.

— Carlton H. Smith, Director

📰 In the Press

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📸 Gallery

👨‍👨‍👧‍👦 Featured Families

John, Frank, and Zachary – captured in a moment of pure joy.
John, Frank, and Zachary – captured in a moment of pure joy.
Marcus and John with their daughter – one of many families who opened their hearts to the camera.
Marcus and John with their daughter – one of many families who opened their hearts to the camera.
Jim and Chris with baby – proud parents during their adoption journey.
Jim and Chris with baby – proud parents during their adoption journey.
Cowboy hats & plaid shirts – two dads, one fierce love at a Pride event.
Cowboy hats & plaid shirts – two dads, one fierce love at a Pride event.
Couple on couch with son – a playful moment at home. Love lives here.
Couple on couch with son – a playful moment at home. Love lives here.
Red polo family trio – every child deserves to feel this safe.
Red polo family trio – every child deserves to feel this safe.
Carlton with partner and daughter – director’s personal stake in the story.
Carlton with partner and daughter – director’s personal stake in the story.

🎬 Behind the Scenes

Carlton filming KJ and Lori – showing the care and clarity behind the lens.
Carlton filming KJ and Lori – showing the care and clarity behind the lens.
Camera capturing KJ and Lori’s interview – framing emotion.
Camera capturing KJ and Lori’s interview – framing emotion.
Matt Bernstein filming – a powerful moment with a passionate DP.
Matt Bernstein filming – a powerful moment with a passionate DP.
BTS setup with Jim and Chris – prepping another story that matters.
BTS setup with Jim and Chris – prepping another story that matters.
Carlton directing – the energy and drive behind Finding Life.
Carlton directing – the energy and drive behind Finding Life.

📰 Press & Media

San Diego LGBT Weekly cover – national spotlight.
San Diego LGBT Weekly cover – national spotlight.
Full feature article layout – deep dive on the documentary’s message.
Full feature article layout – deep dive on the documentary’s message.

🌍 Distribution

Distributed worldwide by Syndicado.
For screenings, press inquiries, or licensing:

📣 Help Us Share the Love

These families opened their doors and hearts — now it’s time for the world to see what’s possible.
💌 Share the film. Recommend it. Start the conversation.

📄 Film Information

Copyright © 2014
Baquas Productions, LLC
Directed, Written, and Produced by Carlton H. Smith

All rights reserved.

Official site: www.findinglifedoc.com