Raising Renee

Oscar-nominated filmmakers Jeanne Jordan and Steven Ascher followed artist Beverly McIver and her family for six years while McIver struggled to fulfill her promise to take care of her mentally disabled sister Renee after their mother's death. McIver's art career is just taking off when her mother succumbs to cancer in her hometown of Greensboro, NC. Beverly is reluctant to give up her solitary home routine in Phoenix, AZ, but brings Renee to live with her, after which the sisters fall into an uneasy, although mostly affectionate domestic partnership. Still, Beverly misses her freedom, while Renee is lonely when her sister leaves to teach art during the day at a local university. Eventually, Beverly and Renee return to Greensboro, where Beverly lands a new teaching job and now-50-year-old Renee agrees to try living alone for the first time, an effort supported by family and community members, who work together to help Renee adjust to her new independence. While Beverly is loyal to her family, there is a dark streak in her feelings, and she discusses these emotions with bracing honesty, becoming especially frank when talking about her misgivings concerning her sister, including the revelation that she was essentially pressured into caring for her. Still, Beverly clearly loves Renee and makes her the focus of much of her art. Beverly also shares her views on racism, poverty, and art, which lend greater clarity and emotional impact to her story. An effective portrait of both the artistic process and family relationships, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Cruver)