Friendly Neighbourhood Film Club and Reverie Cineclub present a family-friendly screening of IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN (1977), the groundbreaking documentary by Elizabeth Stevens, Cathy Zheutlin and Frances Reid following lesbian mothers fighting for the right to custody of their children.

Rarely screened for many years, this remarkable and underseen documentary offers an intimate portrait of eight families. Giving equal space to mothers and their children, the film captures their experiences of family, upbringing and queer parenthood with warmth and raw honesty. Originally produced to educate family court judges, it has since become an important document of LGBTQ+ family history and feminist filmmaking.

Made at a time when lesbian mothers routinely lost custody of their children because of their sexuality, the film documents the legal and social challenges these families faced while centering their experiences of love and community. Through candid interviews and snapshots of everyday life, the film reveals both the realities of discrimination, and the strength, dignity and joy of queer families.

We chose this film because of the care with which it approaches its subjects. While some laws and societal attitudes have changed since the film was made, LGBTQ+ people continue to face barriers and public debate around family life and parenthood. IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILDREN remains a timely reminder of why these stories matter.

After the screening, there will be space to stay, chat and reflect together over tea and coffee. Whether you're discovering the film for the first time or revisiting this landmark of queer cinema, everyone is welcome.

Content note: While this documentary is ultimately warm and hopeful, it includes discussions of homophobia, legal discrimination, child custody proceedings, foster care and family separation.

Entry requirements: no age restrictions (under 18s to be accompanied by an adult over 21yrs, 1:1 ratio) — Read more — Read less