For My Father is an alternative process film that serves as an apology from John Ibbitson to his father, Alan Ibbitson for years of misunderstanding and miscommunication between the two. John believed that his father neglected him, but Alan is actually mentally challenged. The film determines that there is no blame to be leveled for John’s mistreatment as a child. For My Father explores the reasons for their circumstances. John’s narration delves into his own fear of becoming like his parents, but he realizes that this is unrealistic, considering that his father’s character is largely a result of an early childhood accident. The neglect John experienced was a result of this. The film reveals John’s character as he explains why he was once troubled by his relationship with his father, but has now come to accept his father for who he is and hopes to initiate a father and son relationship that they never had.

Director: John Ibbitson

John Ibbitson was born in Toronto in 1982. Despite being dyslexic, John built a successful academic career at York University in Toronto, where he graduated in 2005 with a BFA in Film Production. John has directed two short documentaries, For My Father (2004) and Behind Closed Doors (2005).

cinematographer: Tess Girard
original music / composer: Alex Berezowsky
editor: John Ibbitson

previous screenings:
Indianapolis LGBT Film Festival, November 2005
Austin Gay & Lesbian International Film Festival, October 2005
Montreal World Film Festival, August 2005
InsideOut Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film & Video Festival, May 2005