When David Scotton ’12 was looking for a venue for the New Orleans pre-release screening of his short documentary film, he knew how fitting it would be to show I Lived on Parker Avenue at Jesuit High School. Six years ago, David began the journey of sharing his story of adoption when he was a junior at Jesuit and has since found a larger audience for his compelling story.

View the Official Trailer for I Lived on Parker Avenue

Some 300 people gathered in the Jesuit auditorium on Thursday, Oct. 26, to watch the film and visit with Scotton. Jesuit’s president Fr. Christopher Fronk, S.J., welcomed the crowd to Jesuit and explained how important it is to pray for the pro-life movement. Following Fr. Fronk was the executive producer of the film and the executive director of Louisiana Right to Life, Ben Clapper. Clapper said that “stories can capture the imagination of people in this generation better than any argument can. This story has the ability to change minds and hearts on the issue of adoption.”

A special guest for the evening was Archbishop Gregory Aymond, who said that Scotton has “shared some intimate parts of his life in a blessed way that can touch the hearts of the many present here and will touch the hearts of many across the country.” He added that “David is a model of who we want our young adults to be.” He concluded by encouraging people in the pro-life movement to challenge society, but that “it is important that those people not just give the challenge but also be a part of the solution, and that solution is adoption.”

Also addressing the crowd were former U.S. Senator David Vitter, the film’s director Philip Braun III, Scotton’s family, and finally Scotton himself. The film chronicles the story of Scotton’s trip to meet his birth parents in Columbus, Indiana. The journey captures both his fears leading up to their meeting and his ability to bring healing into the lives of his birth parents through their encounter. In Scotton’s remarks following the film, he spoke about the powerful pro-life message, about how the adoption option is a viable choice for unplanned pregnancy. He also explained that the film’s strength lies in the fact that the compelling message for life does not cover over the difficult personal aspects of his adoption story, nor does the film address the issue in a political or religious context.

Following the screening of the movie, guests were able to talk with Scotton about his story and the captivating message it conveys. The screening was held to share the story with the Jesuit community and to spread the word about the release of the film, which will take place on March 8, 2018.

For more information about I Lived on Parker Avenue, visit the film’s website.