Relative

The film Relative is stunning and infused with a sense of intimacy while also being brave and boundaried. I felt such emotions for Tracey's family and appreciation for her work. I do a lot of work with religious trauma and the framework for secrecy feels very similar. People we love and trust and want to honor are often the hardest to confront with health in order to have needed conversations. I was awestruck by the vision and embodiment implied gently through bold and challenging conversations. A sense of honor wells up within the film and dispels secrecy in such a way that anyone can be inspired to move in new patterns with their own family.

While I always find myself lost in immeasurable awe and overwhelming joy after experiencing yet another miracle in my life, sometimes I also find healing and growth. Coming upon "Relative" and having such a connection to the story changed how I process my most significant, however my most minor, incident of sexual abuse. Because the abuse wasn't violent, wasn't ongoing and didn't go to the extremes that many, many other little girls have endured, I felt hesitant to claim it. I really almost felt guilt and shame to even speak it out as abuse. But it was at the hand of the greatest man I have ever known, the most wonderful man ever, my hero, my daddy. I've carried this with me ever since and watching this film was therapy for me. Free therapy for a change and I am eternally grateful for the healing and new perspective it has given me, as well as a new friend Once again, I am filled with gratitude for something that just falls into place, like coming across a film that changes shape of something ugly I have been carrying deep inside for 40 years into something I can carry without shame and hopefully be able to share with others. This one thing, I believe, is all that matters in this world. Looks like someone else does also and I thank her for putting herself and her entire family out there to help the rest of us.

Relative is truly a documentary like I've never seen before. And I am a documentary queen. This one hit different. This one was literally like I was with my Chickie Ginnetti ( may she rip 2019) I felt right there. This film/documentary was captured with so much truth, genuineness & done with love & grace. Please consider watching this. It brings healing & hope to many of us that have felt alone for too long. Thank You, Tracey. I truly appreciate your genuine heart & truth. "Anything bad was under the table." That hit me hard. Let's stop normalizing harming souls. Let's stop normalizing trump.ok I'll stand by u.

I thought Relative was a beautifully nuance representation of the vulnerabilities that are so pervasive within families, specifically amongst children and women. It also speaks to the misogyny that is permitted to exist within families. The documentarian kept some privacy in terms of the family and showed what she felt most comfortable with. For so many families, silence is death. But, her willingness and the willingness of her mother, grandmother and great aunts to share pieces of their traumas was what made me feel so connected to this entire family. Her nuanced film gave voice to so many who don't have one. Thank you!

This film, while difficult to watch at times because of subject matter, is needed. It depicted the complex layers that truth tellers/change makers face after being honest with their family about their trauma. Seeing the effects of patriarchy and sexual abuse on this Italian-Americans hit close to home. The relationship with the older generations, and hearing them speak their truths for the first time was tremendous. This film was well-done and ended in an unexpected way that will stay with me. This film makes me wish I could sit with the older generations of my family and ask the hard questions. It also inspires me to have open, deep dialogue with my three daughters, my nieces and nephews, my friend's children on sexual safety. Tracy's bravery inspires me to be brave.