Synopsis
USA, 2018; 94 min.
From Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville (20 Feet from Stardom) comes the inspiring story of Fred Rogers, famous for his long-running children’s show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. With his gentle voice and heartfelt words of wisdom, Rogers served as a surrogate father for generations of American children tuned in to public television. Won’t You Be My Neighbor? offers a meaningful and moving portrait of Rogers as a kind of unlikely radical, in cardigan sweaters and comfortable shoes, whose message of love, tolerance, and empowering affirmations (“I like you just the way you are”) would put him at the center of our continuing culture wars. Surveying his influential career, Neville’s film recounts Rogers’ fearless commitment to tackling big topics (racism, war, assassination) and his ongoing fight for government-funded television. A cathartic rallying cry for anyone who longs for a return to civility and compassion, Won’t You Be My Neighbor? is “touching and insightful” (Indiewire), “nostalgic and immediate” and “a documentary you want to hug” (The Hollywood Reporter). Courtesy of Focus Features.
OPENING NIGHT
Thursday, April 5th @ 7pm
Followed by Q+A with Producer Caryn Capotosto
director bio
Morgan Neville is an Academy Award–winning, Grammy-winning, and Emmy-winning filmmaker who concentrates on stories of culture. His films include 20 Feet from Stardom, Best of Enemies: Buckley vs. Vidal, The Music of Strangers, Keith Richards: Under the Influence, and The Cool School. He also executive produced the TV series Chelsea Does and Abstract: The Art of Design.
