D3F Makes an Impact Because The Importance of Daddying Is Universal
- Allan Shedlin
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
By Allan Shedlin
Grampsy and Founder, Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F)
As we begin our fifth-year celebration for the Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F), I think about some of the surprises and bonuses that have manifested. Perhaps the biggest surprise has been the incredible interest in the concept as indicated by the record number of films and videos we've received, thus far, for 2026 consideration, and the total number of countries represented by submitting filmmakers since or inaugural year in 2022 – this now stands at 55, almost a third of existing countries worldwide!
This is, of course, an indication that the importance, impact, and complexity of the father/fatherly role is universal.
Among the many bonuses are the friendships we have forged with a number of filmmakers as they deal and come to terms with their own and other father relationships. One such friendship is with last year's D3F Best Short Film Atticus Award-winner Tristan Barrocks, a gifted, compassionate, Canadian-Jamaican filmmaker and human being.
We have had the privilege of sharing Tristan’s film, A Letter from the Fathers, at a few other venues for special screenings, and it deeply touches everyone who has the opportunity to experience it. And it always prompts a rich discussion afterward.
Tristan's Dad, Bobby, passed away 11 weeks ago, less than a year after he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. When I spoke to Tristan to offer my heartfelt condolences, I reflected how lucky he and his Dad were to have had a chance to let each other know how they felt about each other – very few of us create that opportunity. This past Wednesday, on what would have been his Dad's 71st birthday, Tristan recorded some reflections on Instagram. They might serve as a catalyst for our own daddy reflections and compel us, if possible, to let our parents know how we feel about them:
Indeed, as Tristan points out in his post, "grief is a journey" (and it sometimes ambushes us). How pleased and proud Bobby would be to know that he inspired his son to move forward as a "warrior of peace."
This feels particularly poignant during these war-torn times that require us all to continue the quest for peace, inwardly and outwardly, by Daddying up and Daddying on.
Daddying Film Festival & FORUM 2026
The 5th annual Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F) welcomes film and video submissions, including TikToks and Instagram reels, from students (3rd-graders through undergrads), Dads/Granddads, Dad figures, and indie filmmakers worldwide! Submit videos/films on D3F's FilmFreeway page through Monday, December 8. The earlybird discount deadline is coming up NEXT Friday, October 24th!
Help celebrate the importance of involved Dads/dad figures and send us your stories!
Allan Shedlin has devoted his life's work to improving the odds for children and families. He has three daughters, five grandchildren, and numerous "bonus" sons, daughters, and grandchildren. Trained as an educator, Allan has alternated between classroom service, school leadership, parenting coaching, policy development, and advising at the local, state, and national levels. After eight years as an elementary school principal, Allan founded and headed the National Elementary School Center. He has written about education and parenting for major news outlets and trade publications, as well as appearing on radio and TV. In 2008, he was the first male honored as a "Living Treasure" by Mothering Magazine and founded REEL Fathers. In 2010, he advised the Obama White House on fathering policy. In 2017, he founded the DADvocacy Consulting Group. In 2018, he launched the DADDY Wishes Fund and Daddy Appleseed Fund. In 2019, he co-created and began co-facilitating the Armor Down/Daddy Up! and Mommy Up! programs for veterans and their children. He has conducted daddying workshops with Native American pueblos, veterans’ groups, penitentiaries, Head Start centers, corporate boardrooms, and elementary schools. In 2022, Allan founded and directed the Daddying Film Festival & Forum (D3F). In 2024, he was named to Who’s Who. In 2025, Allan was honored with an "Official Citation" from the Maryland State General Assembly "In Recognition for All You Do for Dads, Granddads, and Kids of All Ages." He also was named 2025 “Father of the Year” by the Fathers & Families Coalition of America. Allan earned his elementary and high school diplomas from NYC’s Ethical Culture Schools, BA at Colgate University, MA at Columbia University’s Teachers College, and an ABD at Fordham University. He considers his D-A-D and GRAND D-A-D the most important “degrees” of all.
