My Flesh and Blood

2004 Documentary

Susan Tom of Fairfield, CA, is not a typical single mother -- Tom is the head of a family of 11 adopted children, all of whom are physically challenged or living with long-term illnesses. Tom and her special family are the subject of My Flesh and Blood, a documentary which examines the dynamic of this household, as well as the often demanding physical and emotional needs of the 11 kids and the heavy emotional burden Tom must sometimes carry as she looks after children who may not survive to adulthood. Produced for the HBO premium cable network, My Flesh and Blood was screened in competition at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival.

Director: Jonathan Karsh

Reviews

  • In what has been called the Year of the Documentary, "My Flesh and Blood" stands beside "Capturing the Friedmans" and "The Fog of War" as an unforgettable experience.

    Stephen Holden - The New York Times

    19 January 2013

  • The experiences of this family from Fairfield will resonate with moviegoers around the country.

    Jonathan Curiel - The San Francisco Chronicle

    19 January 2013

  • The singular achievement of Jonathan Karsh's graceful and rigorous documentary is that he enables his audiences to see his heroine's family through her very clear but always loving eyes.

    Kevin Thomas - Los Angeles Times

    19 January 2013

  • For an agonizing and ultimately transcendent cinematic portrait of sacrifice, love and saving grace, audiences need look no further than this unpretentious and deeply moving film.

    Ann Hornaday - The Washington Post

    19 January 2013

  • Demanding but deeply affecting, My Flesh and Blood ultimately takes on a literal, highly visceral meaning that transcends notions of conventional family dynamics.

    Michael Rechtshaffen - The Hollywood Reporter

    19 January 2013

Awards

  • Jonathan Karsh

    Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival (2003)

  • Jonathan Karsh

    Florida Film Festival (2003)

  • Best Documentary

    Golden Trailer Awards (2004)

     
  • Feature Documentaries

    International Documentary Association (2003)

  • Best Motion Picture, Documentary

    Satellite Awards (2004)