Deep Dive: Big Mama (2000)
Film Lens
Big Mama is a 2000 short documentary film directed by Tracy Seretean that follows 89-year-old Viola Dees as she fights to retain custody of her grandson, Walter, who is nine years old. The film captures 18 months of their lives, highlighting the struggles faced by grandparents raising grandchildren in the U.S. due to family crises related to drugs and incarceration. Viola gained custody of Walter when he was four, after he was placed in foster care due to his mother's drug addiction.
The film addresses age discrimination as Viola battles to prove her capability to care for Walter despite her declining health. It depicts the emotional turmoil they face, including a heart attack suffered by Viola and Walter's subsequent behavioral issues, which lead to a house fire. Ultimately, social workers decide that Viola is too frail to care for Walter, resulting in his placement in a foster home after a year in a psychiatric facility where he thrived.
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.
Perfect For
Grandparenting issuesFoster care challengesDocumentary film lovers