from the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hillsdale NJ, in 1973, the disappearance of 7-year-old Joan D’Alessandro from Hillsdale sent shockwaves through the community, leaving her family devastated and searching for answers. Now, decades later, Joan’s story is being retold in the powerful documentary “Daughter of Mine,” shedding light on her mother Rosemarie’s relentless fight for justice and the lasting impact of Joan’s tragic death.
Joan’s innocent request to deliver Girl Scout cookies to a neighbor on the corner turned into a nightmare when she vanished, and a chemistry teacher living across the street was later convicted of her assault and murder. As the years passed, Rosemarie’s determination to keep Joan’s killer behind bars became a beacon of hope for families across the nation grappling with similar tragedies.
“Daughter of Mine,” directed by filmmaker Vanessa Martino, chronicles Rosemarie’s journey from grief to activism, as she navigated parole hearings and spearheaded campaigns for victims’ rights. Premiering last year, the documentary has been screened at various film festivals, including the Ridgewood Guild International Film Festival, where it continues to garner attention and acclaim.
Through Rosemarie’s unwavering advocacy, laws were enacted and awareness was raised, ensuring that Joan’s legacy would be one of change and progress. Joseph McGowan, the man responsible for Joan’s death, faced numerous parole denials, thanks to Rosemarie’s relentless efforts. Additionally, Joan’s Law, passed by President Bill Clinton, stands as a testament to her enduring impact, denying parole to offenders who commit heinous crimes against children.
Today, the Joan Angela D’Alessandro Memorial Foundation carries on Joan’s legacy, providing support to abused and neglected children and advocating for their rights. While the pain of Joan’s loss remains, her memory lives on through the foundation’s work and the ongoing efforts to honor her life.
As “Daughter of Mine” continues to shine a spotlight on Joan’s story and Rosemarie’s fight for justice, it serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of a mother’s love. And while Joseph McGowan may have passed away in 2021, his legacy of violence and tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the importance of standing up for victims’ rights and working towards a more just and compassionate society.
Website : https://www.daughterofminefilm.com/
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Very moving, thank you
God Bless, Rosemary Joan and family
Hard to imagine.
I remember it well…..terrible.