BBC Documentaries

25 Siblings and Me (2020x178)

: 04, 2020

The incredible story of Oli, a young British man with Asperger’s syndrome, who overnight discovers he has 25 brothers and sisters from the same American sperm donor. Keen to be part of this new family, Oli travels to the USA, meeting his donor and joining a mass sibling reunion. Full of humour, heart and hard truths, the film follows Oli as he navigates the fragile dynamics in this new family formation. Oli, 21, lives in London and has two mums, who conceived him using an anonymous sperm donor in California. Oli always knew he was donor conceived but is curious about his biology. Signing up to a website that helps children of sperm donors find each other, Oli receives an email from someone called Jordan, who reveals she is Oli’s half-sister and breaks the news that their donor, Daley, has revoked his anonymity. Then she drops the real bombshell: Oli has 25 American half brothers and sisters. Oli virtually meets his new extended family, who are excited about the latest addition to their network. Within days, their online relationship becomes strained, as Oli’s strong opinions clash with those of his siblings. Oli was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome aged 12. He grew up an only child and sometimes found it hard to fit in and make friends. Oli decides to travel to America, hoping that building relationships will be easier in person. He visits some siblings at home before meeting up with his donor dad and then joining the biggest family reunion to date. Each of the siblings he visits has their own extraordinary story, which is revealed along the way. Will Oli return to London with some lasting sibling relationships? And does he have a future in this extraordinary new family?