My Flesh and Blood Directed by Jonathan Karsh, 2003

In what has been called the year of the documentary, 'My Flesh and Blood' stands beside 'Capturing the Friedmans' and 'Fog of War' as an unforgettable experience." - Stephen Holden, The New York Times

Winner of the Audience and Director’s Awards at the Sundance Film Festival, the deeply affecting MY FLESH AND BLOOD follows one remarkable family’s most tumultuous year as it confronts a litany of challenges, while still finding time to celebrate life’s small pleasures.

Who says you can’t choose your family? “I think when I found that I could survive raising four kids, that it wasn’t that far of a leap to add another one,” says Susan Tom of Fairfield, California, who has done more than just that, adopting 11 special needs children. For a single mother who receives only limited help from the state, Susan faces the seemingly impossible task of caring for her brood, somehow managing to give them love, hope and as close to a normal childhood as possible. But limits are tested when her angry teenage son threatens one of his siblings. And after another child’s condition becomes erratic, Susan must struggle to keep her family united as their battles threaten to tear their family apart.

Tenderly directed by Jonathan Karsh, MY FLESH AND BLOOD presents a family portrait like no other — a bittersweet and unforgettable experience filled with humor, stirring pathos, and real-life inspiration.

Bonus Features

Filmmaker Commentary; Deleted Scenes; Additional Interviews; Behind-the-Scenes; Theatrical Trailer; Filmmaker Bios; Filmmaker Statement; Resources; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection