The reality of growing up as a bi-racial child in Ukraine, a rare and truly visible minority, is not for the faint of heart. Interviews with African medical students and neo-nazis on the streets of Kiev paint a very dangerous picture.

Olga is a foster mother to 16 bi-racial orphans. She calls them “my chocolates” and raises them to be patriotic Ukrainians. Some residents of her small town in Eastern Ukraine, neighboring Russia, consider Olga a saint – but many believe she is just crazy. Inherited from the Soviet era, there is a stigma in the country against interracial relationships between Ukrainian girls and students from Africa, who come to Ukraine to study. The destiny of hundreds of bi-racial children is tragic – unwanted and doomed to grow up as orphans.

“A multiple-award-winning international festival favorite, Family Portrait in Black and White is a compelling look at racism, value systems, and just what family means in today’s ever-changing society.” Mark Rifkin, THIS WEEK IN NY

“Gets high marks for honesty. Portrait of an imperfect solution in UKRAINE, a country that seems to have a lot that needs solving. ” Neil Genzlinger, NEW YORK TIMES

“Humanity of this picture’s subjects is what makes it a compelling experience.”  Mark Deming, TV GUIDE (3 1/2 out of 4)

“The film is a feat of unforced & watchful insight.” Michael Phillips, CHICAGO TRIBUNE (3 1/2 out of 4)