This soul-stirring musical documentary highlights a Philadelphia high school program that encourages students to channel their thoughts, feelings, and dreams into an album of rousing original songs.
Q&A post-premiere hosted by Fox29’s Anchor & Host Alex Holley with director Amy Schatz and executive producers Mike Jackson and John Legend of Get Lifted Film Co. Along with students from Hill-Freedman World Academy
Tinsel & Tine #minimoviereview: I have to admit I don't spend a lot of time around Gen Z. I don't have any close friends with kids and I'm not a mother, so a lot of what I hear about the next generation comes from the news reporting on things like a pack of kids, in Philadelphia, ganging up on a senior citizen and killing him in broad daylight. I know I'm often afraid to ride the subway when 15 or 20 of them are all together, doing things to hold up the subway from departing and smoking on the platform. And that all they do is watch Tik Tok and play video games.
That's why Stand Up & Shout is not only an outstandingly edited and produced doc, but it's a wonderful way to see young people as individuals. Each possessing deep thoughts and some negative perceptions about themselves that they are taught to see aren't true. All of the teachers who come to lend their talents to this songwriting program at Hill-Freedman World Academy are amazing, but singer/songwriter Kristal TyteWriter Oliver, is a marvel! The ease with which she interacts with each child and brings out their gifts; it's obvious she's very dedicated to not just producing a song, but touching a life.
They break the students down into groups of 5 or 6 and each group is assigned the task of creating a music label. They must work together as a team, but individuals can take the lead as songwriter/performer/producer. The doc takes us through different aspects of the project with different labels. Some even get music videos for their songs. It's so inspiring to see the kids get transported to a new level throughout the project, learning what they're capable of and supporting one another. It's a truly life affirming thing to witness. I was in full on tears by the end.
#GenZ #PFF32 #johnlegend #songwritingprocess