What are their “Whys?” … and mine too

An essay from the director, May Tchao.

May Tchao

I finished my documentary Hayden & Her Family—a story about the adoption journey of the Curry family in March 2020. But then came the lockdown for Covid pandemic; all screenings and film festivals would have to wait.

While my heart withered a bit as I pondered the future of “my child”—a project that’s taken six years of my life to create. I thought about the protagonists in my film who’ve signed onto a lifetime’s commitment in raising a family of twelve children, five of whom have special needs.

Being “a fly on the wall” with that family have never ceased to amaze me in their love of God reflected in their love for their children. We all know parenting is one of the most challenging tasks even under the best of circumstances; but the Currys tackle them with resilience, creativity and humility. They insist they’re just an ordinary family and hope people will watch this film and realize that it doesn’t take super powers to love and raise children who have more than the usual number of challenges. Adoption comes with great joy and is born out of great sorrow; within that tension, the Currys draw their strength, faith and hope in God.

So what’s in it for them? Their “why” lies in making a difference in those children’s lives.

First Pres member May Tchao’s HAYDEN & HER FAMILY documentary will have a national broadcast on PBS WORLD (Channel 369) as part of the “American ReFramed” Series on Tuesday, November 23 at 7 p.m.
The documentary features the Curry Family, longtime members of the church. Starting at 8/7c on day of broadcast, HAYDEN & HER FAMILY will also be available to stream on your smart TV or online at worldchannel.org, amdoc.org, and on all station-branded PBS platforms including the PBS app.

As an independent filmmaker, I must stretch myself in many directions to make things happen — resources, network, skill sets, support and constant learning.  Often times I feel like the Greek god Sisyphos rolling a rock up hill.  No wonder people call these “passion” projects because I can’t remember how many times I’ve cried out for God to pull me through.

As I surrender to the Lord’s calling, He draws me closer to derive strength, hope and utter amazement by His guidance in every twist and turn of the production journey. He’s the pillar of fire showing the way in the wilderness. Even now, I don’t know where this project is going; all I learn is to take it one step at a time.  This PBS American ReFramed broadcast opportunity is in itself a miracle.

So what have I learned? My “why” lies in the faith that this film will be an instrument of His work — I will never know whose life it will touch.