The ABCs of Book Banning & Story and Pictures by at SCAD Savannah Film Festival 2023
Written by Daniel Barriga. Photo by Daniel Barriga.
The SCAD Savannah Film Festival showcased two films that revolve around the importance of children. Gladys Murphy, film editor of “The ABCs of Book Banning,” and the director and producer Joanna Rudnick of “Story and Pictures by” held a Q&A session after the screening.
Many public schools are banning books based on themes such as LGBTQ+, Black history, and women’s empowerment. “The ABCs of Book Banning” is a remarkable film that approaches the subject by involving the ones affected by book banning: the kids. From middle to high schoolers, they express their thoughts about book banning and how it’s impacting them. Many are hurt, frustrated and confused about why the school board restricts these books. The film goes straight to the point and offers a different perspective on the ongoing problem of book banning.
To complement the previous film, “Story and Pictures by” gives the audience an inside look into picture books, how illustrators and writers convey their stories, and the importance of picture books to children. Picture books can be “windows and mirrors” for kids to relate to and understand the stories they are witnessing. The film is wholesome and emotional, and offers an insight into the process illustrators and writers go through to create stories for children. Even when the themes are heavy, they can present them in a way kids will understand.
