Sundance: Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street

Director: Marilyn Agrelo

Based on the book "Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street" by Michael Davis

A documentary chronicling the creation and behind the scenes of Sesame Street, from its inception in 1966 as an educational program for inner city kids to the beloved kids show it became that airs in over 150 countries today.

First off, I want to apologize to the back of my girlfriend's head, which spent the majority of the film absorbing the liquid that was flowing freely from my eyes, I hadn't been hit in the feels like this by a documentary since Won't You Be My Neighbor?. Both Mr Rogers and Sesame Street were an integral part of my childhood and both films about them touched me deeply by their humor, honesty, and overall message of love, acceptance, respect, and kindness (something the world could use a lot of right now).

Sesame Street was a one of a kind program, something that the creators Joan Ganz Cooney and Jon Stone knew from the start and fought to make sure that it always stayed true to itself. The show strived to be educational in many ways, whether it be in the classroom or in its inclusivity, all with the goal of treating everyone with the respect they deserve. . It was the first time that many ethnicities truly saw themselves on screen in a positive light.

The amount of work to get the show on air was incredible. They consulted educators, child psychologists, and did multiple test screenings with children to see what worked. Even the writers room was unique, which blended comedy writers with the educators to make sure that everything that went to air had education in mind. It could still be weird and funny, but the children came first. And like Mr. Rogers, the show never spoke down to children and treated them with respect.

While there are loads of behind the scenes photos and footage of Sesame Street, it still brings a smile to my face to see Carroll Spinney, Jim Henson, and Frank Oz performing in character. Everyone who was involved in this show either in front of or behind the camera knew what they were making was something special. And it's crazy to think that they were given free reign. Outside of the $8 million they were given by the Department of Education, which at the time was a massive sum and equals about $59 million today, there wasn't much outside interference in regards to content for the show.

It warmed my heart to watch this incredibly moving doc. If you grew up with Sesame Street, my hope is that it will touch you like it did me. I found it educational, inspiring and hopeful, just like the show it is about.

Grade: A