Welcome to the Internet fundraiser for the documentary film School's Out: Lessons from a Forest Kindergarten. Learn about our project and contribute to the conversation on early childhood education.
About the film
No classroom for these kindergarteners. In a small town in Switzerland, children 5 to 7 years of age go to this public kindergarten in the forest every day, no matter what the weatherman says. Filmmakers Lisa Molomot and Rona Richter follow the kindergarten throughout one school year.
Watch the 3-minute trailer above (in English and Swiss German with English subtitles) to see the magic and surprise.
Why this is important
While most kindergarten programs in the Western world have moved toward a more and more academic approach and cut recess time, many early childhood experts strongly believe in the value of outdoor play, exploration, and establishing a close relationship with nature during this critical period in a child's development. School's Out will open eyes and minds to alternative options in kindergarten education, and will give ideas about what it is that children might need at this age.
The team
American filmmaker Lisa Molomot and Swiss-American producer Rona Richter collaborate with advisors Jacob Bricca and Eren McGinnis, animator Ingeborg Dena Faber, and additional cameraman Sascha Wanner.
Production status
The first two phases of filming in the fall and winter 2011/12 have provided us with hours of wonderful footage of the forest kindergarten in action as well as with numerous interviews with parents, teachers, and experts on education.
The final shooting is scheduled for May 2012 to follow up with the children and families at the end of the school year and to get footage of muddy children in the rain.
We will complete post-production by September 2012, and aim to distribute the film to television and educational markets and to present it at film festivals and schools.
How you can help
Through this campaign, we hope to raise $5,000 for post-production. The money will help finance the editing and music score. Your support will help, no matter what the amount!
You can contribute by credit card from anywhere in the world – all information is highly secure. You may also choose to contribute anonymously.
Depending on the amount, you will receive a big "Thank You" on the film website or the film credits, a copy of the film on DVD, and a box of yummy Spruengli chocolates from Switzerland.
[We are grateful to have received funding from the Cultural Commission and the Board of Education of the town of Langnau am Albis toward the third phase of production.]
Please support our film, spread the word, enjoy the trailer.
Thank you! Danke!
For more information and to see a longer trailer visit www.schoolsoutfilm.com