film | DADvocacy Consulting

Scott Beller, Editor and Contributing Writer

Since February 2020, the DADDYING blog has provided weekly commentary, personal narratives, reviews, research, poetry, and other creative expressions from a diverse group of colleagues, guest writers, and experts to promote the benefits of lifelong Dad involvement for kids, families, and communities.

How I Made a Short Film as a Single, Full-Time Dad When Time, Money, and Energy Are Gone

Award-winning filmmaker Andrew Coughlin explains how he is inspired to keep creating despite his scarcity of time and resources as a single Dad. His short film, "The Small Hours," won the 2026 Daddying Film Festival & Forum's Roy R. Neuberger Prize for Best Dad-Created Film.

Allan Shedlin

Feb 4

New Year, New Daddying Traditions

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller welcomed back a few old holiday traditions in 2025 and started new traditions he hopes return in 2026 and for many years to come.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 14

Behind-the-Scenes with Dad, Filmmaker, and Megaforce Fan Bob Lindenmayer

Filmmaker Bob Lindenmayer shares the backstory and inspiration for creating the documentary film and Daddying Film Festival & Forum 2026 official selection "Making MegaForce," which celebrates the 80s sci-fi cult film, starring actor Barry Bostwick.

Allan Shedlin

Dec 31, 2025

My Weekend with Powerful Dads Forged By Vulnerability, Brotherhood, and Resilience

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin spent the weekend bonding in brotherhood with a special group of dads in Chicago.

Allan Shedlin

Sep 11, 2025

With Your Help, Our Little Film Festival That Could Will Reach New Heights and More Families Worldwide

The Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) celebrates its 5th anniversary by hosting fall friendraisers that showcase its success while raising funds to support the festival's growth and year-round activities.

Allan Shedlin

Sep 4, 2025

What Happens at the Daddying Film Forum Doesn't Have to Stay There

Daddying blog Editor Scott Beller previews the 3rd annual Daddying Film Forum at Bryn Mawr College, PA.

Allan Shedlin

Apr 24, 2025

Death, Taxes, and the Daddying Heart of a Documentary

Documentary filmmaker Justin Schein tells the daddying story at the heart of his award-winning film "Death & Taxes."

Allan Shedlin

Apr 17, 2025

The Daddying Backstory for My Documentary "THE BRAINWASHING OF MY DAD"

Award-winning filmmaker Jen Senko provides backstory to her film The Brainwashing of My Dad, a Daddying Film Fest 2025 official selection.

Allan Shedlin

Apr 8, 2025

The Daddying Film Fest Can Be Your Comfort Place and It Won't Cost You A Thing

Daddying editor Scott Beller previews the start of the 4th annual virtual Daddying Film Festival, April 7 - 12 on Eventive.

Allan Shedlin

Apr 4, 2025

Daddying Film Fest 2025 Offers Families Calm and Connection During the Storm

With rough seas ahead, the 2025 Daddying Film Festival marquee is filled with great stories offering families a respite from the storm.

Allan Shedlin

Mar 13, 2025

Mummers Is the Word This May in the "City of Fatherly Love"

Editor Scott Beller provides a quick recap of his Daddying Film Forum planning visit to Philadelphia with D3F director Allan Shedlin.

Allan Shedlin

Apr 20, 2024

A Rare Dad Gets Beyond "Why Me?"

Daniel DeFabio, a dad dealing with a life-threatening diagnosis for his child, tries to move past hopelessly asking "why me?"

Allan Shedlin

Mar 20, 2024

Welcome to The Daddying Film Festival's Leap Year

editor Scott Beller explains why, in 2024, the D3F can afford to take a leap of faith. Spoiler alert: it's the quality films and filmmakers!

Allan Shedlin

Mar 8, 2024

Two Things I Learned About My Daddying from Barbie and Skipper

DCG founder Allan Shedlin reflects on daddying lessons learned from Barbie long before the iconic doll made it to the big screen.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 2, 2023

Understanding My Mother's Anguish

Editor Scott Beller had difficulty watching Brendan Fraser's performance in The Whale because it reminded him of his mom's similar struggles

Allan Shedlin

May 12, 2023

Why Am I Childless on Spring Break and Who Will Select Daddying Film Fest's Atticus Award Finalists?

In the first spring break traveling without his kids Daddying editor Scott Beller fills the void with good food and a heartwarming film.

Allan Shedlin

Apr 7, 2023

"As They Made Us" Shows The Painful and Often Complex Flip Side of A Dad's Influence

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller recommends the film "As They Made Us" for anyone who has ever had a strained relationship with a parent.

Allan Shedlin

Feb 24, 2023

Daddying Film Fest and Forum Pulls Back Curtain to Spotlight VIP Judges and Judging Process

Now that the Daddying Film Festival has opened its call for entries, editor Scott Beller highlights D3F's expert judges and judging process.

Allan Shedlin

Jan 19, 2023

She Impresses Dad Most with the Way She Carries Herself

Daddying blog Editor Scott Beller celebrates his oldest daughter from afar on her 19th birthday.

Allan Shedlin

10 hours ago

The Day My Soul Crashed: A Father's Journey from Shattered to Serving

Alfred Niwagaba tells his story of being inspired by and caring for his son with special needs in Uganda.

Allan Shedlin

Sep 9

Distant Water Cannot Quench A Thirst

Nicholas Banura Aine writes about his struggles with long-distance parenting, which created deep emotional gaps with his children, one with autism, who needed his presence.

Allan Shedlin

Sep 2

Glad You're Here: A Love Note to My Youngest Daughter on Her 17th Birthday

Daddying blog editor Scott Beller writes a special note to his youngest daughter for her birthday, which coincides with back-to-school and the beginning of her high school senior year.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 28

Modern Childhood: Is The Next Generation of Kids Really The Loneliest One?

Guest writer Tessa Dodson highlights the complexity of modern childhood and offers parents practical guidance for supporting kids in building social connections through open communication, managed screentime, and unstructured play.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 19

The Dads and Sons of Summer

Poet and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller debuts an original poem about baseball, Dads, and sons in this week's Daddying blog.

Allan Shedlin

Aug 12

I Left San Francisco for Colorado Springs. It Changed How I See Democracy

Youth Documentary Academy founder Tom Shepard writes about how he's been inspired by the diverse stories of his filmmaking students and other young people and what our country's leaders could and should learn from them.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 30

Savoring the Privilege of Lifelong Daddying

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin shares the joy of being a lifelong Dad, Granddad, and soon, a Great Granddad.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 30

With Our World in Metamorphosis, Those End-Of-Summer Butterflies Remain the Same

Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) founder Allan Shedlin welcomes back-to-school season and those end-of-summer butterflies with an open mind and open arms.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 23

What Happened to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness?

Daddying editor Scott Beller laments the continued human rights abuses by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including murders this past week of Johan Sebastian Duran Guerrero and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo.

Allan Shedlin

Jul 16