The Films of Michael Sporn Volume 1 (1994)

Inspired by actual events, WHITEWASH conveys a powerful message that transcends age and race, told in an entertaining way perfect for children of all ages. WHITEWASH features the voices of Linda Lavin and Ruby Dee, who was nominated for an EMMY for this performance.

When the young black girl Helene Angel is attacked by a street gang and painted white on her way home from school, the effects on Helene and her family are devastating. Helene locks herself in her room, her brother blames himself for not having successfully defended his sister, and Helene's small family is disrupted when the media descends on their neighborhood. In spite of this horrible event, an outpouring of love and understanding from friends, classmates, and family helps Helene accept what has happened and draws the community together.

CHAMPAGNE is the true story of a young teenage girl named Champagne whose mother is incarcerated for murder. Living in a catholic children's home run by nuns, Champagne provides poignant commentary about her mother, her own situation, and her outlook for the future. Starring the voice of the real life Champagne, this award-winning film shows how hope can spring forth even in the most challenging of times.

CHAMPAGNE has won multiple awards including the Carnegie Medal for Best Children's Program, Chicago International Children's Film Festival; Best Animated Film, New England Children's Film Festival; Best Long Form Animation, Worldfest Charleston; Gold Award, CINE Golden Eagle, and 2 CableACE Nominations including Best Animated Program. Product Description

Powerful

I saw this title at the library and checked it out. Wow! Both of the features are very moving. The first one is the fact-based story of a young girl and her brother who are accosted on their way home from school. She's sprayed with white shoe polish. There's a subplot involving her brother's dealing with the attention she gets afterward and the guilt that he feels for having run away during the attack. I'd have liked to see the assailants punished in the film, but that wasn't really the focus.
The second involves a young lady describing her upbringing since her mother's incarceration. Champagne is very upbeat in her descriptions and helps the viewer to appreciate his or her advantages.

I liked the films very much.

March 31, 2006

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