A friend of a friend is making an interesting film about kids right here in Portland. The documentary, Play Again, investigates the consequences of a childhood removed from nature. Along the lines of the book Last Child In the Woods, I imagine. As Meg Merrill, Producer at Ground Productions, describes it:
Play Again is a documentary about the changing balance between the virtual and natural worlds in childhood today. Screen time is increasing, while time spent in nature is decreasing. How does the media influence our children? What do we miss when we are in front of screens? What is the impact of this imbalance on the well-being of our children, our society and the very future of our planet?
Check out the trailer - and weep. Not surprisingly, kids can name only 10 plants but 100 corporate logos (me too, sadly). Ground Productions' mission is inspiring:
At Ground Productions we believe media can change the world. Our mission is to work toward a more just, equitable and sustainable society, where everyone has a voice. Our films encourage critical thinking and debate and aim to promote peace through understanding.
Fundraising Party! They're having a grown-ups only fundraiser Thursday, 7 PM on 5.8.08 @ Holocene if you can swing it. And if you want to support this project but, like me, are otherwise occupied on Thursdays at 7 (oh, only every Thursday at 7 for the next 15 years!!), you can donate online - natch.
Wanna See the Movie? In time, mamas, it ain't ready yet.
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