Denver Film Festival 2022 Review: ‘Butterfly in the Sky’

Written by David Minkus

The cultural touchstones for Generation X's childhood development were shows like Sesame Street and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.  Through thoughtful and heartfelt work, shows like these taught us to be better people, to be kind to each other, and to use our imaginations to grow beyond what we thought was possible. For Millennials, Reading Rainbow was the seed that sprouted a generation to be even kinder, and run with their imaginations through the magical world of books. Directors Bradford Thomason and Brett Whitcomb delve in the history of this truly unique and beautiful show with Butterfly in the Sky.
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The film gives plenty of room to exploring the show's inception just before the dawn of children's programming becoming glorified toy commercials. We're shown how the show's creators had a yearn to actually reach out to kids and encourage them in a way that was more fitting to the time. That's always an uphill battle no matter the time and the fact that Levar Burton, fresh off the success of the legendary Roots, jumped at the opportunity to do the show to their shock and amazement was a testament to just how special this idea was.

Special mention has to be made about how the film takes the time to show just how important the idea of educating and encouraging kids has been to Burton throughout his life. The work he put into doing what he could to keep the show relevant and up to date can't be overstated. Taking the show to the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation made for a point of common interest between kids and their parents.  Nobody would have begrudged him leaving the show to concentrate on projects that would solidify his future. The fact that he made Reading Rainbow a priority throughout his career is a testament to the character of the man.

One of the true treats of Butterfly is bringing back kids who did book reviews on the show to reminisce about their time on the show and its impact on them personally. Simply put, it's impossible to watch these segments and not have a giant smile on your face. It highlights that the show meant a ton to the kids involved as well as the viewers. By showing the passion of the former educators who put their heart and soul into the show makes it all the more crushing as they discuss the show’s eventual demise.

While addressing how the show ended, Butterfly in the Sky and its participants are firmly proud of the work put in and the change it was able to effect on the world around it. While it's still on the film festival circuit, it's a must-see documentary the minute it becomes available anywhere.

Clip - https://vimeo.com/724991207

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