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Talking UP to kids

I’m submitting “Q&A” to the Chicago Children’s Film Festival this week. One of the submission requirements is a statement of filmmaking philosophy that addresses, “the reasons for which the filmmaker has chosen to make films for children, the impact the director feels film has on children’s lives, and why he or she chose to address the topics presented in the film.” It was a great opportunity to reflect in a way that we don’t always on our work. Here’s what we had to say:

Outside of entertaining the audience, the most important purpose of film for children and their families is to inform them and encourage them to think about the outside world and themselves. Media for kids should engage and respect them as intelligent people. This tells children that their thoughts, their ideas, and their lives matter. It shows parents and adults that listening closely to what kids have to say is one of the most important things they can do.

In “Q&A”, the ideas above are shown in action within the film itself. Twelve-year-old Joshua asks his mother Sarah probing questions and gets honest and open answers in return. The dialogue that results helps him grapple with questions of fairness, his mother’s love for him, and his place in the wider world. As the audience witnesses this exchange, hopefully they will grow in their understanding of Joshua and Sarah and be encouraged to have similar conversations with their own friends and loved ones.

I know there are a lot of people here in New York making kids’ media, so I’m really curious to hear your thought and ideas on the subject. Post them below!