Core to the confluence of themes inhabiting Mama Bears is compassion.
Avoiding teary-eyed speeches and eschewing kitschy Hallmark platitudes, the documentary about conservative Christian mothers whose love for their LGBTQIA children transforms them into advocates – and the vital online community that supports and empowers them – nevertheless states clearly: Love is a force more powerful than hate.
In a blend of interviews and scenes that play out as intimately as home movies, Mama Bears introduces us to three mamas and their cubs: Kimberly Shappley and her trans daughter, Esther (who generally goes by her middle name, Kai); Sara Cunningham and her gay son, Parker; and Tenita Lewis Artry and her lesbian daughter, Tammi Terrell Morris. All three mothers come from rigid religious backgrounds. All three greet the truth of their child’s identity with fear and despair. And all three, when ultimately confronted with the detrimental impact that fear and despair are having on their children, shift their attitudes and embrace love. Kimberly has become an outspoken advocate on behalf of not only Kai, but trans children across Texas. Sara started Free Mom Hugs, a nonprofit with chapters in every state that fight for LGBTQIA equality, attending and organizing advocacy events where they provide free “mom hugs” to anyone who needs them. Meanwhile, Tenita, whose journey is perhaps the most complex depiction in the film, is a study in contradictions, saying early on that there “are no gay Christians” only to later assert that “God made Tammi perfect just the way she is.”
Tenita eventually leaves the film, after conservative friends and family tell her that her interviews will be intentionally misinterpreted to make her look bad. But Mama Bears isn’t looking to craft cheap villains. The lens never veers toward hate or conflict, instead keying in on connection and affirmation. Tenita smiling in a photo with Tammi and her girlfriend. Kimberly helping Kai pick a dress for school. Sara asking Parker to join her for the annual Free Mom Hugs tour. Hate is a presence that surrounds their lives, but the documentary, like the homes it peers into, serves as a warm pocket of empathy and love.
It’s easy to be dour in the time we’re living through. Between attacks on marginalized groups like the LGBTQIA community, environmental disaster, the devastating invasion of Ukraine, and the NFT-fueled resurgence of the “commodify yourself” crowd, there’s a lot of terrible out there. So what better time for Mama Bears (and mama bears) to remind us of our power, to reaffirm our worth, and above all to inspire kindness? “Wherever love is, there’s gonna be growth,” says Kimberly toward the end of the film.
After witnessing the transformative power at work in Mama Bears, I couldn’t agree more.
Mama Bears
Documentary Feature Competition, World PremiereFriday, March 18, 12:30pm, Alamo Lamar
This article appears in Guide to SXSW 2022.