Find additional screenings of Won't You Be My Neighbor?
Featuring director Morgan Neville and co-director of the Fred Rogers Center Dr. Junlei Li
Join Dr. Junlei Li, co-director of the Fred Rogers Center, and director Morgan Neville to discuss the legacy of Mr. Rogers and the relevance of his work in helping this generation of children (and their parents) grapple with the complexities of modern life. Hosted by CEO of TVO Lisa de Wilde.
About the film
"I like you just the way you are." With this phrase, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood introduced generations of American children to a genial, soft-spoken man, who became a father figure to many thanks to his open, compassionate communication. Fred Rogers's heartfelt words of wisdom helped children deal with complex social issues including death and discrimination. Approaching challenging topics with honesty and warmth, he dedicated himself to meeting the needs of children, and fifty years later, he remains an unmatched landmark in children's television. Wonderfully illustrated with clips from the show, striking animation and interviews with many people who worked with, loved and were influenced by Fred Rogers, Oscar-winning director Morgan Neville has crafted a remarkably resonant film that's both tribute and caution. We're reminded not only of the brilliance and beauty of Mr. Rogers's legacy, but of the dangers in closing ourselves off from his message of acceptance and love. Shane Smith
About the host
A leader of innovation and transformative change, Lisa de Wilde is an advocate of leveraging digital technology to create moments of learning for people of all ages. As CEO since 2005, Lisa has steered TVO’s transformation into Ontario’s digital learning organization. Prior to TVO, she was president and CEO of Astral Television, and legal counsel for the CRTC. Lisa serves the community in volunteer roles on the Toronto Global Board of Directors, the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) Strategic Advisory Group, the Mowat Centre Advisory Board, and previously chaired the TIFF Board of Directors (2013-16). She is currently on the Board of Directors of TELUS and Enercare Inc., as well as a member of the Order of Canada, a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, and was recognized with the WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award.
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