Why Actress Bryce Dallas Howard Wanted to Make a Documentary About Modern 'Dads' For Her Directorial Debut

Just in time for Father’s Day, Apple TV+ is streaming “Dads,” the directorial debut by actress Bryce Dallas Howard, whose own father is Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard. And be prepared to grab your tissues. This heartwarming documentary features interviews with famous fathers, including Will Smith, Jimmy Kimmel, Patton Oswald, as well as heroic dads from around the world.

1. Why did you want to make a film about fatherhood?

My hope in making this film was to dispel the notion that fathers are the b-role characters in the story of parenting, and a big part of that starts with representation. On our screen we’ve seen the disciplinarian fathers, the bumbling fathers, the absent fathers, but where are the involved, affectionate, or just great dads?

2. What did you learn about fatherhood from these men that surprised you?

There were a lot of surprises. I was stunned to realize how much men are dismissed and how stigmatized men are for being caregivers. This might seem like a small discovery, but in the process of becoming a father, there’s not really a rite of passage in the same way that there is for mothers. Thankfully, more and more, there’s a whole community and following of daddy-bloggers, daddy-podcasters, and secret societies of fathers to help each other along the way!

3. What is the greatest lesson your dad imparted to you?

In teaching me how to be a storyteller, my dad taught me how to move through the world with curiosity, courage, and an open heart and mind. He also taught me how to make the best scrambled eggs! My kids are appreciative of that one.

4. How can we as a society value fatherhood more?

Advocating for paternity leave and equal access to parental leave. Beyond supporting the idea of active fathers, we need to give fathers the opportunity to fulfill that all-important role as active caregiver.

5. Did you notice a difference across cultures? Are Black, Latino and/or Asian dads any different from white dads?

Though there are differences, I wouldn’t simplify them to race. Culture does have a big impact on how fathers show affection, how responsibilities are distributed in the household, and how they impart lessons to their children. But socioeconomic status, religion, and family dynamics also play a role.

6. Are dads raised by single moms different kinds of dads?

Thiago, one of the fathers in the film, went through a period in his life where his mother was the primary caregiver for him and his siblings, and he speaks to how that transformed him as a father. He knows the immense amount of responsibility that comes with raising kids and how much of a difference being a present parent makes in his children’s lives (and his partner’s, too!). But like all the fathers in this film, Thiago is a loving, dedicated dad.

7. What do you want people to take away from the film?

My hope is that aside from wanting to hug or call the father figure in their lives, people who watch the film will understand how much parenting is really about partnership. And to all the parents out there: you got this, even when you don’t.

This Q&A was originally featured in the June 21st, 2020 edition of The Sunday Paper.