Paternal Instinct

Mark and Erik are an “unmarried” gay couple who have been together for ten years. They long to have biological children. Searching for a surrogate mother on the internet, they meet Wen, a wife, mother and practicing witch. Over the next three years, this unique partnership encounters unforeseen obstacles that challenge their desire for a child and threaten the growing bonds between them. The film is a ruthlessly honest portrait of an American family …with a 21st century twist. Paternal Instinct chronicles a journey of mythical proportions as Wen leads Mark and Erik on a journey of deep love, loss (miscarriage, fertility challenges), doubts, failure and finally, preparation for parenthood. The documentary climaxes with the triumphant arrival of Cecilia Alexis Kulleseid-Eisenhardt after an agonizing home delivery in an inflatable kiddies’ pool.