Streaming with closed captions
Big Ideas presented by Scotia Wealth Management: Hear from notable subjects and experts on issues featured in the film.
Big Ideas Q&A
Meet Sesame Street original cast member Sonia Manzano (Maria) along with director Marilyn Agrelo, and producers Ellen Scherer Crafts and Trevor Crafts, as they discuss the enduring legacy and lessons of this iconic show and the feat (and fun!) of capturing the origin story of Sesame Street in a documentary. Hosted by culture writer and podcast host Elamin Abdelmahmoud.
Watch recorded Q&A>>
About the film
In the late 1960s, as the US was rocked by dissent and social change, a socially conscious media executive working in the fledgling world of public television was presented with a challenge: could she create a children's show that would "master the addictive qualities of television and do something good with them"? Inspired by the civil rights movement, Joan Ganz Cooney envisioned a program that would both entertain and educate, specifically reaching less-advantaged children to fight the educational gap created by racism and poverty. She assembled a team that included Jon Stone, the original director who set the tone and style of the series, and the incomparable Jim Henson, whose Muppets became an iconic part of the magic that is Sesame Street. Featuring exclusive footage from behind the scenes of the first two decades of the show, as well as over 20 original cast and creator interviews, Street Gang introduces us to the people (and the Muppets!) who entertained and educated children like never before. The result was one of the most influential and enduring children's programs in television history.
This film will be available to stream across Canada on Hot Docs at Home starting May 20. Tickets on sale May 10.
Big Ideas presented by
Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street and its Q&A are presented with support from the U.S. Consulate General of Toronto
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