The ABCs of Book Banning is a 2023 short documentary film, directed by Sheila Nevins; co-directed by Trish Adlesic and Nazenet Habezghi and produced by Trish Adlesic.[1] It premiered at the Woodstock Film Festival, on September 30, 2023.[2]
| The ABCs of Book Banning | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by |
|
| Produced by | Trish Adlesic Steven Bennett Nina L. Diaz Liza Burnett Fefferman Peter Goldberg Sheila Nevins Albessant Smith |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Filippo Piscopo |
| Edited by | Gladys Mae Murphy |
Production company | MTV Documentary Films |
Release date |
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Running time | 27 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Summary edit
The film features people discussing the mass banning of books relating to LGBT topics and issues of race, specifically in Florida.[3][4]
Books featured include And Tango Makes Three, Maus, Ambitious Girl, Beloved, The Life of Rosa Parks, The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish, Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation, The Hate U Give, All Boys Aren't Blue, and Gender Queer.
Reception edit
Critical response edit
Josiah Teal of Film Threat gave the film a 9/10 score and stated:[5] "ABCs of Book Banning does an excellent job summarizing the significant details in just under a half-hour. It speaks volumes about the importance of increasing perspectives through literature, especially at an early age." Jennie Kermode, writing for Eye For Film, gave the film 4.5/5 stars and summarized:[6] "It’s a simple film, but more powerful for it: a film in defence of words which doesn’t need many to make its point."
Accolades edit
It was nominated for Best Documentary Short Film at the 96th Academy Awards.[7]
See also edit
References edit
- ^ Simon, Scott (25 November 2023). "A new documentary shows the impact of book bans in Florida public schools on the kids". NPR.
- ^ Carey, Matthew (3 October 2023). "Doc Legend Sheila Nevins Makes Directorial Debut With 'The ABCs Of Book Banning', Starring Kids Who Just Want Freedom To Read". Deadline. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ^ "The ABCs of Book Banning". TVGuide.com. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
- ^ op de Beec, Nathalie (30 November 2023). "'ABCs of Book Banning' Documentary Amplifies Florida Kids' Voices". Publishers Weekly.
- ^ Teal, Josiah (7 February 2024). "ABCs of Book Banning Featured, Reviews Film Threat". Film Threat. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ Kermode, Jennie (8 February 2024). "The ABCs Of Book Banning (2023) Movie Review from Eye for Film". Eye For Film. Retrieved 10 March 2024.
- ^ Lang, Brent; Moreau, Jordan (23 January 2024). "Oscar Nominations 2024: 'Oppenheimer' Dominates With 13 Nods, 'Poor Things' Follows With 11". Variety. Retrieved 23 January 2024.
