Eighty-nine-year-old Viola Dees battles local authorities for 18 months to keep custody of her 9-year-old grandson, Walter, amid numerous challenges.
Synopsis
Eighty-nine-year-old Viola Dees battles local authorities for 18 months to keep custody of her 9-year-old grandson, Walter, amid numerous challenges.
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Synopsis
Viola Dees, an 89-year-old grandmother in Los Angeles, struggles for custody of her 9-year-old grandson, Walter. Over 18 months, she faces challenges from the child welfare system after Walter's troubled early life. Born to a drug-addicted mother, he was placed in foster care before Dees gained custody. As Dees deals with her own health issues, Walter's behavior escalates, leading to a house fire and his temporary admission to a psychiatric hospital. Social workers ultimately decide Dees cannot care for him, forcing Walter back into foster care.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Viola Dees, a grandmother fighting for her grandson.
- Follow Walter's journey from foster care to family struggles.
- See the impact of age discrimination on caregiving.
Did You Know
- Viola Dees was 89 years old when the film was made in 2000.
- Walter was born to a drug-addicted mother and entered foster care at age four.
- The film won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2001.
- Walter was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after displaying disturbed behavior.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Big Mama?
Big Mama was directed by Tracy Seretean.
What year did Big Mama win the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject?
Big Mama won the Oscar for Best Documentary Short Subject in 2001.
What challenges did Viola Dees face in caring for her grandson Walter?
Viola Dees faced age discrimination, declining health, and a bureaucratic system that threatened to separate her from her grandson.
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