I Will Tell Film Festival 2023 - Lambing Trailer
A young dad in rural Ireland must face his anxiety around gender and bullying when his baby is born intersex.
In modern-day rural Ireland, David meditates on his own childhood the day before his son is born. He is so haunted by his father bullying him for being weak and effeminate on the family farm that he now doubts his own abilities as a father. Though the young couple are excited for the birth, his wife Caoimhe senses his anxiety and worry as they settle down to sleep.
When the baby is born with both male and female sex organs, David is unable to cope with the diagnosis. He mentally shuts down and walks out of the room without a word. The pressure, shame and secrecy of the medical process is driving the young parents apart. Caoimhe and the baby take an ambulance to Crumlin Children’s Hospital to await the surgical panel’s decision, without David.
As lambing season continues on his father’s farm, David spends his days hiding away in tension and silence. When the day of the appointment arrives, it is unclear if he will show up for his wife and baby, or if the gendered trauma he has suffered will ultimately stop him from loving his own child.
I Will Tell International Film festival celebrates untold stories, challenges perspectives and catalyses change. Join us for award-winning films and inspirational post-screening discussions with filmmakers, subject experts, activists, philanthropists and more. For more info visit http://www.iwilltell.com