On Tue, 6 Feb 1996, Sue Roberts wrote:
 
> I am interested in compiling a list of films and TV programs which shed some
>  light on
> current images of childhood.  Anyone have any suggestions for films and TV
>  programs
> that focus clearly on the young child (say, birth to 8 years), particularly on
>  how the child is
> differentiated  as a boy or a girl?
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>
Some contributions from staff at the Australian Film Television & Radio
School.
 
John Colette of New Media recommends:
REBOOT (3rd series - shown on the Australian 7 Network) and for an overseas
perspective SAILOR MOON - a series on schoolgirl/adventuress types which is
huge in Japan, and has an Otaku (fan) following.
 
Ruth Saunders of Student Films recommends AFTRS productions:
LA SCALA, LO SCALONE by Franco di Chiera.  One of its themes is the
Italian perception of manhood.  Other good films about childhood - but
not specifically gender portrayal are - RABBIT ON THE MOON (Monica
Pellizzari), SERENDIPITY by Karen Borger on Catholic issues, FLITTERS by
Christopher Tuckfield on disabilities and PEEL by Jane Campion - on being
a red-head.
 
Janet Merewether of Production Design perhaps has a different definition
of "current" than Sue but says:
For films about slightly older children there are some gems - Try Robert
Bresson's MOUCHETTE (young teenage girl) or Truffaut's film about
childhood delinquency 400 BLOWS - Ken Loach's Kes with its verite,
non-actors etc - and IVAN'S CHILDHOOD.
Ozu's first and last films are wonderful studies of children (but then
1932 may not be within your time frame).  Also MY LIFE AS A DOG & MON
ONCLE - but these are older kids.
 
I suspect there will be more to come from the AFTRS collective memory
 
Neil Pollock
Library
Australian Film Television and Radio School
61-2-805-6440
Fax: 61-2-805-6665
 
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