Child of Nature
Inspiring docu about activist kids has intense moments.
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Child of Nature
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Child of Nature is a tween-targeted documentary about kids from around the world who are working to create real positive change. Spotlighting children who've faced significant challenges, the movie delivers a message to use creativity, curiosity, perseverance, and your own unique skill set to help improve others' lives. The movie has positive diverse representation in the areas of race, gender, and economic status, with both boys and girls demonstrating nonstereotypical traits. Many of the kids come from impoverished communities; while mentions are made of hunger, abuse, and child prostitution, they're mostly brief and not told emotionally. That said, one teen's story of abuse and abandonment is pretty horrific, and photos of his wounds are shown (it's worth noting that his life takes a very positive turn after the incident). This is a great watch-together opportunity for adults and tweens/teens.
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What's the Story?
CHILD OF NATURE travels to 15 different countries to introduce viewers to kids who are working to create positive change in the world. Featuring refugees fighting for their peace of mind, kids living in poverty using their talents to come up with creative solutions, and an Indigenous girl leading the fight against a toxic pipeline, the stories of these service-driven kids demonstrate that you're never too young to make a difference.
Is It Any Good?
Motivating kids to help others isn't always easy, but this documentary taps into the best tool we have: Showing them other kids who are thriving in their efforts. Criss-crossing the globe, director Marcos Negrão gives the mic (literally, in the case of Indian teen journalist/narrator Kanupriya) to philanthropic and activist kids. Young people are a wellspring of creativity and imagination, and their solutions range from big to small. The only issue is that the information is sometimes delivered in a sophisticated way that may not always fully engage the target age group (it may feel like grown-ups are trying to teach them something).
Each featured kid explains the challenges that they face -- poverty, escaping war and living in a refugee camp, child abuse, a threat to their way of life, etc. -- and then talks about looking within themselves and their own abilities to find a solution to help others. Seeing such a wide variety of kids in their own environments is bound to help foster empathy and understanding. And at the same time, the movie makes it clear that no matter where you live, there's plenty to be done: Jump in. Help out. You're not too young.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how all of the kids featured in Child of Nature were motivated to get involved to bring about positive change. What issues do you see that you believe need change, and what could you do to pitch in?
How do the kids demonstrate curiosity, integrity, courage, gratitude, and humility? Why are those important character strengths? How do their stories show that perseverance and teamwork are important in effecting change in the world?
Do you think anyone is "too young" to make a difference? Why, or why not? Do you think adults are more or less likely to listen to kids who speak or work passionately for a cause?
How can media be used to teach empathy and understanding for those in challenging circumstances?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 16, 2021
- Director: Marcos Negrão
- Studio: Child of Nature Films
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Curiosity, Gratitude, Humility, Integrity, Perseverance
- Run time: 90 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: August 30, 2022
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