BLOOD FRIENDS (2025)

documentary short


currently in festival circuit

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IMDb



Director/Producer: Hayley Ulmer

Director/Producer:
Sam McCoy

Production Coordinator: Aditi Sridhar

Director of Photography: Anh Vu

B Cam Op:  Nathan Krauss

B Cam Op/Assistant:  John Ricardel

Additional Cinematography:  Sam McCoy

Sound: Genna Edwards

Sound: Elias Rivera

Editor: Megan Miller

Assistant Editor: Katie Spear

Music: Anthony Cubbage

Post Sound:  Brendan Laird

Colorist:
Marika Litz

Titles Designer:
Caleb Sun


short film, documentary



involvement:
- directing - producting


















The past few years has seen an explosion of films about anonymous sperm/egg donation, often highlighting the most shocking result of an unregulated industry. This documentary short intends to showcase another side of the story - the lived experience of the people who resulted from a "by the book" donation. In 2018, a group of siblings who share a common sperm donor found each other via DNA testing. At 32 confirmed siblings (and still growing), they have had yearly reunions where they try to define what these relationships are. Blood Friends, directed and produced by one of the siblings, tells the story in their own words. It explores the complexities of nature vs. nurture, familial connections, and the bonds we form with each other.



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