 "Bastard" is a twenty-three minute documentary on illegitimacy and single mothers. The filmmaker uses his family s experiences and history to confront the negative stereotypes surrounding these topical and controversial issues. Conservative pressure groups, for example, consistently hold lone mothers responsible for a variety of social ills. The project is an experimental and personal piece originating on various film and video formats. Using interviews, archival material and video diaries, "Bastard" is a positive account of one family s healthy development without the presence of a traditional paternal figure. The central figure of the film, Patricia Caro, challanges the widely held prejudice that single mothers are irresponsible and no more than a welfare burden. Additionally, while investigating the identity of his absent father, the filmmaker questions the "common sense" belief that children raised in lone parent households are destined for a life of adversity and criminality. In general, the documentary endeavours to remind the audience that behind the generalisations and judgements passed upon single parent families, there exists a variety of individual stories that deserve to be considered on their own merits.