A Dad Documentary: Resident Debuts Film in Advance for Father's Day

Dana Glazer's documentary evolved as much his subject matter. In premiering his film The Evolution of Dad at the Ridgewood Public Library Tuesday, the Ridgewood resident described how the project shifted over time.

"I originally pictured this serious film with dramatic Aaron Copland music and a professional, solemn voiceover guy," he said. "But enough positive elements kept coming into the process and added to it."

Glazer's finished version resulted in a personnel and all-encompassing overview of fatherhood in America lined with ample profound and silly moments, which he narrated himself.

A stay-at-home dad, Glazer set out to portray the versatile and varying roles male figures play in children's life. Glazer followed several dads from different backgrounds—military veterans, reformed drug addicts, Wall Street lawyers—who either stayed at home, fought for paternal rights, shifted their lives around their kids or worked hard at being a dad.

Although the film takes on an upbeat tone, it raises tough questions on gender roles, work-family balance, corporate atmosphere, absentee fathers, race and class dilemmas. Glazer interviews many parental experts from a score of backgrounds to lay out a myriad of views on fatherhood.

Describing his three-year long process as "DIY—do it yourself," Glazer said he hopes "the film becomes its own living breathing thing." With no studio budget, the film's future depends on reception and word-of-mouth support.

The film is shot in many different place and possesses no fixed setting. However, locals could spot the Ridgewood train station tunnel and an interview at the Glen Rock Jewish Center Nursery School. 

Tuesday, two of the featured dads attended the Ridgewood screening at the nearly full auditorium. 

Jeffrey Eilender, a New York lawyer, worked through a divorce to gain equal custody of his children with his ex-wife. In the film, he was portrayed as reworking his entire work schedule and life to become a more devoted father.

Ironically, while waiting for his kids to get done school in Ridgewood, Eilender took client calls from in library's auditorium, which served as the venue for the film's premiere. 

Dallas Hayes—who provided much comic relief to the film—admitted that despite his outgoing character, he was nervous about seeing himself on film. After the movie, he said he really enjoyed it.

Glazer connected with his sources through many ways. Some people—like Eilender—he met through mutual friends. In describing his methods, Glazer pointed to several audience members integral in finding great stories. Others he randomly fell into.

"One day while washing my hands in the bathroom, a guy just kept talking about how important it is to be a dad. I was like, 'Umm... I'm actually making a movie about that," he said.

Although Glazer has no set future plans for films, he hopes the success of The Evolution of Dad could make for a trilogy on maternal and family issues.

"The idea is to create a layered conversation on issues that are under the radar. The point is that dads don't realize this impacts them," he said.

For more information and to purchase The Evolution of Dad, visit the film's website.