Described as a "funny and moving" documentary, Daisy Asquith's film tells of her mother's conception after a dance in 1940s West of Ireland. My Mother: The Secret Baby can be seen on Monday March 30 at 10.00pm on BBC 4.
Daisy's grandmother was compelled to run away from her Co Clare home to have her baby in secret. The child was subsequently handed over to a religious order of nuns.
Daisy's mother was eventually adopted by English Catholics from Stoke-on-Trent. Her grandmother returned to Ireland and told no-one. The father remained a mystery for another 60 years until Daisy and her mother finally connected with a family who had hitherto been been strangers.
Asquith describes her quest in the film as a compulsion. “I needed to know who my relatives were. Growing up without that knowledge gives one a sense of being a cuckoo, not fitting, not knowing what one is made of. It’s disorientating. I wanted my mum to be able to know too."
It took the respected film-maker about 20 years to realise the long-cherished project. “I started making it when I was 17 and bought my first secondhand camcorder from the Friday ad. That was when I started to film my mum.
"But it took me twenty years to find the courage to stand up to the people in my family that wanted to keep us secret. Storyville supported the idea for 4 years, while I wrestled with my relatives and myself to an extent.
"I had many doubts and fearful moments before I found the courage and conviction to make it. They were very patient. I learnt that it is important to keep pushing against conservatism, religious prejudice and shame. Even if it hurts. Giving up hurts more. “
