21 May Under the Stars Opening Night: Inspiring Reflections on Youth, Activism, and Education
BY GABE CASTRO
As families and friends gather beneath the twinkling summer night sky in West Philly’s Clark Park, cinéSPEAK’s annual Under the Stars screening series promises to ignite discussions on empowerment, activism, education, and inclusivity. This year’s series begins on Friday, May 24th, with documentaries designed to provoke thought and reflection.
The opening night program features two compelling films that delve into the realm of reading and education. Butterfly in the Sky pays homage to the enduring legacy of the beloved educational program Reading Rainbow, which, for 26 years, inspired a generation of young readers with its enchanting tales. Meanwhile,the Oscar-nominated short film The ABCs of Book Banning casts a critical eye on the censorship and challenges to intellectual freedom overshadowing our current literary landscape.
In light of alarming statistics indicating a decline in literacy rates across America–only 36% of fourth grade students are proficient in reading, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress–these conversations take on heightened significance. By engaging with these thought-provoking documentaries, attendees play a pivotal role in revitalizing the reading movement and advocating for a brighter future for our youth.
The ABCs of Book Banning sheds light on the impact of censorship, focusing on the voices of those most affected: young readers. Directed by Sheila Nevins, a pioneer in the documentary producing field, the short film centers the poignant perspectives of fourth graders in Florida, illuminating their desire and need to engage with literature deemed controversial.
Nevins underscores the importance of children’s voices in the narrative, recognizing that they will face the strongest repercussions of this censorship. In an interview with cinéSPEAK, she shares, “I went to the children because they were the recipients of this damage. It was their film.”
The documentary further amplifies its message through testimonies from authors whose works have faced bans or restrictions, alongside advocates for literary freedom. Animated segments intricately weave together the stories of banned books, offering a compelling portrayal of the issues at hand.
By intertwining the perspectives of various impacted groups, the film appeals to both adult and youth audiences. Viewing the film in a family-friendly outdoor setting fosters an environment of dialogue, encouraging parents to engage with their children on the subject matter. As Nevins envisions, parents may find themselves posing the same thought-provoking questions presented in the documentary, prompting discussions on the importance of access to information and freedom of expression.
Nevins hopes that the film sparks these crucial conversations. For parents, she underscores the significance of the upcoming election and its implications for the youth of our nation. “This film is about the First Amendment, the freedom to speak your truth,” she emphasizes. “I feel strongly that this is our shot. We better not blow it.”
After The ABCs of Book Banning, audiences will get to enjoy Butterfly in the Sky, which takes viewers on a nostalgic journey, celebrating the timeless legacy of the beloved children’s TV program Reading Rainbow. Directed by Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb, the documentary warmly embraces the magic of the series, which captivated audiences for an impressive 26-year run.
The film honors host LeVar Burton, whose charismatic narration and genuine passion for literature inspired generations of young readers. Burton himself reflects on the power of presenting important conversations to children, emphasizing the program’s role in fostering a love of reading. The show, which mirrored the experience one would encounter at a local library, featured intimate storytelling with a phenomenal narrator. Further, it accomplished an incredible feat of not only encouraging young people to read, but also inspiring a strong desire to do so.
“[Reading Rainbow] inspired us to be interested in books when that was not always the easiest thing to do. When you’re an 80’s kid who goes out and rides your bike and does a million other things, play sports or whatever, sometimes it’s challenging to get young people to read,” explains Thomason.
Thomason and Whitcomb skillfully capture the essence of Reading Rainbow, infusing their documentary with the same energy, color, and positivity that made the original series so enchanting. “We tend to make movies about things that we hold dear to us from our childhood,” expresses Whitcomb.
Their films intend to bottle a moment or place in time that greatly impacted them as creators and adults; to take that energy and release it back to the younger generation for inspiration, while also reminding the older generations what it felt like to be captivated by a beautiful program like Reading Rainbow.
For Thomason and Whitcomb, Butterfly in the Sky is more than just a trip down memory lane–it’s a heartfelt tribute to a significant moment in television history. They express gratitude to their audience for joining them on this journey, recognizing the importance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of Reading Rainbow. Thomason extends his thanks to the audience, saying, “We’re grateful for everyone coming out. We’re honored to be able to tell this story. It’s not something that we took lightly and we’re really grateful that people are enjoying it and connecting with it in this unique way.”
As attendees gather for the Opening Night of Under The Stars, they can expect to be transported back to a time when storytelling held boundless possibilities and the joy of discovery awaited around every corner. Through Butterfly in the Sky, audiences are invited to rediscover the magic of Reading Rainbow and reconnect with the timeless joy of reading. As viewers embark on this nostalgic journey, they may feel a stirring within them—a spark that ignites not only gratitude for their access to the diverse tapestry of the literary world but also a determination to fiercely defend and uphold that access. Join us for an unforgettable evening of cinema under the stars, where inspiration and enlightenment await. Opening night features a visit from the Free Library of Philadelphia Book Bike, Drag Story Time with Lili St. Queer of The Bearded Ladies Cabaret, and local DJ Mariyama. The following screenings will feature local DJs and various partnerships and storytimes. The screenings are free to attend with online registration encouraged.
Under the Stars Screening Schedule:
Friday, May 24 – Butterfly in the Sky preceded by the short film The ABCs of Book Banning
Friday, June 14 – OKTHANKSBYE preceded by the short film Makayla’s Voice: A Letter To The World
Featured Image: Still from Butterfly in the Sky. Courtesy of Fourth Act Film.
Gabe Castro is a Philadelphia-based Latiné multimedia professional specializing in the horror genre. Gabe believes media can be used as a tool to bring social change and works in all she does to create impactful and inspiring media. Gabe is a former cinéSPEAK Philly Beat Fellow.
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