I Am Big Bird tells the extraordinary
story of Caroll Spinney, the whimsical
and endearing man behind Sesame
Street’s beloved Big Bird and Oscar the
Grouch. While inspiring generations of
kids for more than 40 years, not much
has been known about the man inside
the bird. Now, with Spinney approaching
80, we get to peek at how the magic
was made. With an epic love story, a
life-changing adventure in China and
an almost-trip to space aboard the
Challenger, both Caroll Spinney and
his feathered friend Big Bird have had
some incredible adventures and
tragedies. Through an extensive
collection of home movies and behind-the-scenes Sesame Street footage,
the filmmakers capture an intimate
portrait. If your heart warmed to
the big yellow bird that entertained
generations, your heart will melt in
this loving portrait of the creative
genius who brought him to life. Heather
Haynes, Hot Docs
Join us for this special Annex Family Festival screening on June 14. Admission is free for those 16 and under (available on the day of the screening, at the Bloor box office). Muppets fans will also want to catch The Muppet Movie on June 14, at 1:00 p.m.