Directed by Oscar-winner Morgan Neville, the documentary about the life and work of Fred Rogers called Won’t You Be My Neighbor? captures an in-depth look at America’s favorite neighbor.
According to the storyline, the movie follows a man we all thought we knew as we watched him on television. They promote the documentary as an emotional and moving film that takes you beyond zip-up cardigans and the land of make-believe and into the heart of a creative genius who inspired generations of children with compassion and limitless imagination.
Neville won an Oscar for his documentary 20 Feet from Stardom. The movie focuses on talented people who harmonize with the biggest music bands.
Focus Features Chairman Peter Kujawski commented on Neville’s work. “Morgan once again avoids making a traditional bio-doc and instead takes us behind the curtain to see how Fred Rogers navigated the cultural and social issues of the second half of the twentieth century with his own brand of forward-thinking, compassionate wisdom far beyond his time. Mister Rogers makes us all want to be better people, and we couldn’t be more proud to be a part of telling his story today.”
“The Fred Rogers I discovered making this film is at once comfortably familiar and completely surprising. I believe Mister Rogers is the kind of voice we need to hear right now,” said director Morgan Neville. “I am thrilled to work with Focus Features on taking this film out into the world, along with my collaborators at Impact Partners and Independent Lens.”
“This is Morgan’s fourth film with Independent Lens, following our Emmy Award-winning collaboration on Best of Enemies,” said Independent Lens Executive Producer Lois Vossen. “His beautiful new film shows us just how cool Mister Rogers was and how relevant and vital his voice is right now.”
Morgan Neville, Caryn Capotosto, and Nicholas Ma produced Won’t You Be My Neighbor? The movie trailer and clips from the documentary show a movie all generations will want to see because Mr. Rogers will continue to be an inspiration.
The below trailer offers more clips of Mr. Rogers working on his show and about his life.
The movie trailer shows many clips (some black & white) of Fred Rogers working on his television show.
Fred Rogers is a true inspiration for public television.