Collaborative Documentary
How Kids Grow In NYC Public Schools
New York Filmmakers Get Involved
In 1999, Change for Kids reached out to top New York filmmakers to collaborate on a short documentary about kids growing up in the New York public education system. CFK Filmmakers included: Steve Buscemi (Trees Lounge), Adam Davidson (The Lunch Date), Doug Liman (Swingers & Go), Nancy Savoca (Dogfight, True Love), Amy Schatz (Goodnight Moon), Stanley Tucci (The Imposters, Big Night), John Turturro (Illuminata), David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer), Frank Whaley (Joe the King), and Gary Winick (Sam the Man), and Raw Media (2007 Monaco Film Festival "Best Documentary").
The alliances created a short documentary that is divided into 6 segments (5 minutes each), with different filmmakers each taking a part. The themes for these segments were developed in partnership with the principals and teachers at the CFK schools. Each filmmaker spent a day with various groups of kids and educators discovering their own unique and special experiences in the public education system. This was a rare and wonderful opportunity for these filmmakers to contribute creatively while connecting directly with the "kids" behind the cause.
Change for Kids provides each filmmaker with a digital video camera, small production crew, transportation, and editing facility to produce their segment. In turn, each filmmaker is asked to donate one day of shooting and one day of editing time to the project. All of the segments are then premiered at the annual Change for Kids Talent Extravaganza.
The CFK Documentary has truly been a collaborative effort. It is made possible through the time and effort of businesses and individuals within the New York film industry. We offer our sincerest gratitude to the directors, production team, principals, teachers and most of all the kids, who generously contributed their time and energy to make this film come to life. We salute you!
The public schools of New York City are facing many impediments. We need the engagement of the arts & entertainment community to raise public awareness. The CFK Collaborative Documentary is a candid illumination of the challenges we face in expanding our childrens' learning experiences. Through their films, these artists highlight our childrens' needs and celebrate their strengths.