Kirk Franklin’s YouTube docufilm, “Father’s Day,” is nothing short of an emotionally charged and transformative journey. When Franklin embarked on his 13th album earlier this year, he had no inkling of the profound revelations and catharsis that lay ahead. This documentary, aptly named after his upcoming album, chronicles a gripping story that left a lasting impact.
The film opens with Franklin reflecting on his tumultuous early life, filled with hardship and a sense of abandonment. Raised by an adoptive mother who struggled to provide for him, Franklin grappled with bullying, learning disorders, and the harsh judgment of his church community. He felt like an outcast, craving guidance and support that seemed perpetually out of reach.
But the narrative takes a seismic shift when Franklin discovers the shocking truth about his biological father. At a family funeral, a chance encounter with Rick Hubbard, a man who claimed to have dated Franklin’s biological mother as a teenager, sends shockwaves through his life. Paternity tests confirm Hubbard’s identity as Franklin’s father, upending years of deception and falsehoods.
This revelation is nothing short of heart-wrenching, as Franklin had been led to believe in a different father figure, Dwight Allen, who had already passed away. The impact of this revelation, however, transcends the immediate shock; it serves as a catalyst for a profound exploration of Franklin’s identity, faith, and his lifelong struggle with love and intimacy.
The documentary beautifully captures Franklin’s emotional first meeting with Hubbard, who candidly admits to being unaware of fathering a child when Franklin was born. This raw moment of connection and understanding is profoundly moving, as it unveils a chapter of Franklin’s life that had long been shrouded in uncertainty.
But the emotional rollercoaster doesn’t stop there. The film also delves into Franklin’s complex relationship with his biological mother, who vehemently rejects the paternity results, leading to a poignant confrontation that tugs at the heartstrings. This exploration of family dynamics and the quest for truth is both heart-breaking and deeply relatable.
In the midst of this emotional whirlwind, “Father’s Day” also chronicles Franklin’s reconciliation with his estranged eldest son, Kerrion. Their journey of healing and understanding is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Franklin’s profound insights into his role as a father and his desire to protect his children from the pain he experienced are both touching and relatable.
As if ripped from the pages of a compelling novel, Kirk Franklin’s “Father’s Day” is an emotional odyssey that will leave you profoundly moved. This docufilm is a testament to the power of truth, reconciliation, and the enduring belief in love and family. It’s an exploration of the human condition that will resonate with viewers on a deeply personal level. Franklin’s upcoming album, bearing the same name, promises to be a musical reflection of this transformative journey, making “Father’s Day” an indispensable part of his artistic legacy. In the face of life’s most challenging revelations, Franklin’s unwavering belief in the human spirit shines through, reminding us all that even in our darkest moments, we are still “built to believe.”
You can watch the docufilm here.
