Great Movies
Danny Alpert, Greg Jacobs and Jon Siskel's new documentary about America's child care infrastructure, "No Small Matter," will be released online nationwide this Thursday, June 25th. The premiere will be streaming live on Facebook and Twitter (you can RSVP here) at 7pm CT, accompanied by a town hall panel and beginning with a 6:30pm CT pre-show just for kids. The movie explores the far-reaching impacts of high-quality early care and education, which are illustrated with the aid of groundbreaking science. Executive produced by Alfre Woodard and featuring "Sesame Street" star Cookie Monster, the film aims to delight and enlighten viewers during this challenging and uncertain era of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement released by the filmmakers, they stressed how "America’s early learning infrastructure was fragile even before COVID-19. But the pandemic has pushed it to the brink of collapse. Half of all child care sites have closed, and the ones that remain open have to navigate unprecedented financial strains. With no other option but to stay home with their infants, toddlers and preschoolers, millions of parents are unable to return to work, paralyzing efforts to restart the nation’s economy. What has suddenly become self-evident to our country is that early education is essential. Put simply, America doesn't work without it."
The free town hall livestream event will include a pre-show geared for children entitled "Virtual Yellow Room Half-Hour Variety Show," hosted by preschool teacher Rachel Giannini, and featuring a host of talents such as Olympian-turned-author Kristi Yamaguchi and comedian Jack McBrayer. The premiere of the feature film will follow with an introduction by Alfre Woodard. Concluding the event will be a live panel discussion highlighting the devastating impact of COVID-19 on children, families, caregivers, and the economy. This event is produced in partnership with Child Care Aware, NAEYC, Save the Children Action Network, United Way Worldwide, ZERO TO THREE and more.
To view the livestream premiere of "No Small Matter" at 7pm CT on June 25th, RSVP here. The film will then be available On Demand starting June 26th.
Chaz is the CEO of several Ebert enterprises, including the President of The Ebert Company Ltd, and of Ebert Digital LLC, Publisher of RogerEbert.com, President of Ebert Productions and Chairman of the Board of The Roger and Chaz Ebert Foundation, and Co-Founder and Producer of Ebertfest, the film festival now in its 24th year.
