Being Elmo Directed by Constance Marks

“A winning tale of the persistence and creativity behind one of the most famous and fuzziest faces in the world.” New York Times Critics’ Pick

Beloved by millions of children around the world, Elmo is an international icon. However, few people know the soft-spoken man behind the furry red monster: Kevin Clash.

Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg, BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY follows Clash’s remarkable career, while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street and the Jim Henson Workshop. As a teenager growing up in Baltimore in the 1970s, Clash had very different aspirations from his classmates—he wanted to be a part of Henson’s team, the creative force responsible for delivering the magic of Sesame Street on a daily basis. With a supportive family behind him, Kevin made his dreams come true.

Featuring interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney and Clash himself, filmmaker Constance Marks’ insightful and personal documentary tells the story of one of the world’s most adored and recognizable characters and the visionary behind the icon.

Bonus Features

Some Thoughts from the Filmmakers, Sundance Premiere Q&A with Kevin and the filmmakers, Tau performs in the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade, Interview with John Tartaglia, Trailer

Awards:

Winner, 2011 Black Film Critics Circle Award
Special Jury Prize, Sundance Film Festival
Winner, Audience Award, Best Documentary, Traverse City Film Festival
Winner, Special Jury Prize, Most Life-Affirming Documentary Award, Traverse City Film Festival
Top Ten Audience Favorite, Hot Docs Documentary Festival