Unadopted

PBS / KQED (27min)

I directed and produced this documentary for the Oakland-based nonprofit YR Media (formerly Youth Radio). The film is an indictment of America’s child welfare system as seen through the eyes of Noel Anaya, who spent 19 years in foster care.

In 2021, Unadopted aired across PBS member stations and won a National Edward R. Murrow Award (“News Documentary”). It previously screened at four U.S. film festivals in 2020, garnering an Audience and Programmers’ Choice Honorable Mention at the Salute Your Shorts Film Fest in Los Angeles. KQED also aired the film as part of its Truly CA series.

Find more information about the film here and a watch trailer below.

Selected credits: Noel Anaya (Co-Producer), Bob Calo (Executive Producer), Ellin O’Leary (Executive Producer), Arianna LaPenne (Co-Director and Cinematographer), Hanna Lane Miller (Editor) and Brenton Covington (Trailer Editor).