Kate Stapleton discusses her award-winning documentary, The Inner Sea, which offers a rare glimpse of the adoption experience through the eyes of a birthmother. Directed by Stapleton, a birthmother and first-time filmmaker, The Inner Sea invites audiences to witness the emotional complexities of adoption, identity, and healing.

The Inner Sea film debuted in 2025 at the prestigious Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, won Best Film at the Lake Effect Film Festival and Best New Filmmaker at the Fresh Coast Film Festival in Marquette, MI. The film has also won laurels at the Door County Film Fest, the Buffalo Roots Film Festival in Rome, the Red Cedar Film Festival, Houston International Film Festival, Soo City Film Festival, and the Saugatuck Film Festival.