The trip home for a Soldier is surreal. Things have changed. The people are older and don't understand what he's been through. The scenery is different and sometimes home doesn't feel like home. For one soldier the ultimate change is in his child. While on his tour of duty, his son has transitioned to be his daughter. He has never met her in person, and today he is coming home to surprise her.

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For a young trans teen, life is full of obstacles and challenges. The people are curious and don't understand what she's been through. Her parents' attitudes are still adjusting, and sometimes home doesn't feel like home. For Allie, a rough day at school ends with at surprise. Her father is home from the army, and he's standing in her room.

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Parental love is unconditional. It transcends a person's memory of their child. The Real Thing is an infinitely stronger bond.

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We made this film in 2017 with the help of an amazing cast and crew.  We were honored to work with Sophia Grace Giannamore and Michael Torpey in order to bring Allie and Michael to life.

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Our crew of 35 shot the film in 3 days and, to date, the film has screened in 55 festivals, in 10 countries, and won 10 awards.

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The film was shot on an ARRI LT with 4-Perf 35mm Kodak Stock and the help of the Kodak Filmmatching Initiative and the Independent Filmmakers Project Fiscal Sponsorship.