When I decided to produce the movie “TORN APART,” the sequel to “TORN,” I wanted to focus on something we don't see very often in films: a father-daughter relationship as the main story.

I wanted to tell a story about how fathers and daughters grow together. How they disappoint each other, challenge each other, forgive each other and ultimately learn from one another. I believe that some of the most important relationships in our lives are not the easiest ones.

Bernard Baxter is a fictional father, but his journey is familiar.

When audiences first met Bernard in “TORN,” he was trying to rebuild his life after prison. Like many men, he returned home, wanting to pick up where he left off – only to discover that life had moved forward.

Without him, his wife Juanita spent five years raising their children Jasmine and Tyrell. She had grown. His children had grown. The world had grown.

So, at a pivotal point in the movie, Bernard had a choice. He could remain angry and bitter, or he could do the difficult work of earning his place back into their lives…He chose the harder path.

In “TORN APART,” we meet Bernard nearly 10 years later. His marriage is strong, and his children are successful adults. His son is married and expecting their first child. His daughter is building a successful career. For the first time in his life, Bernard feels as though life is finally moving in the right direction… Then tragedy hits.

Juanita dies, and Bernard finds himself standing still once again while the rest of the world continues moving forward.

This time the daughter he once helped raise now helps him heal and move past his mental prison. Juanita provided support in “TORN,” and Jasmine provides similar support in “TORN APART.”

Jasmine helps him rebuild his failing lawncare business, encouraging him to find purpose again. She also helps him imagine a future beyond his grief and to even find love again.

I’m not a parent, but I think parents see themselves as only teachers for their children and not what their children can teach them. Nor do they think that strength sometimes comes from accepting help, from listening and from admitting that they are hurting.

That’s why I chose to include therapy in Bernard's journey. Too often, Black men are told that strength means remaining silent. That strength means carrying every burden alone. I wanted to challenge that idea.

As Father's Day approaches, I find myself thinking not only about Bernard but about my own father. He has been one of the most important influences in my life. He encouraged me to work hard, think critically and strive for excellence. We have not always agreed on everything. In fact, there have been times when we strongly disagreed, but there was respect, and something that I’ve learned to appreciate.

The older I get, I realize that fathers are human. They make mistakes. They experience disappointments. They carry burdens we may not always see.

But when they continue to love, continue to learn and continue to be present, that leaves a lasting impact.

This Father's Day, I celebrate the fathers who keep showing up. And I especially celebrate mine.

April Mial is the president of Rock, Groove and Jam!, a media platform that celebrates the value of female aspiration and experience. Visit:  RockGrooveandJam.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

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