Dad Genes

Craig Downing (Dir),62 minutes, USA, Western New York Premiere

Producer Matt Isaac in attendance.

For years, Aaron Long was a happily unmarried man living a single life in Seattle. He lived in a tiny room in a cooperatively-run building alongside fellow artists and bohemians. He spent much of his free time caring for his aging mother.

That life changed practically overnight thanks to a 21st-century combination of old-fashioned curiosity and cutting-edge technology. Back in the mid-90s, Aaron had been a sperm donor as an easy way to make some extra cash. Two decades later, he registers with 23andMe and discovers he has several biological children (with more continuing to be discovered).

Aaron invites several of his newly discovered children to spend time with him at a "Meet My Kids" party. Not long after, an unusual household forms: two of the children, the mother (Jess) of one, and Aaron's own mother are all living in the same Seattle co-op.

After Aaron shares his saga with The New York Times, the unlikely clan experiences worldwide media attention for their unconventional blended family.