In one of my older Multiversity 101 posts, I looked at using comic books as a literacy aid. In it, I spoke with a number of people affiliated with the movement including filmmaker Todd Kent. Kent was in the process of creating a documentary called Comic Book Literacy, in which he spoke to creators like Paul Dini, Scott McCloud, and Art Spiegelman about the merits of comic books in the school system.
I have the documentary itself, and I’ll be putting up a review of it next week. Soon enough you’ll have a chance to see it yourself as it will be premiering at C2E2 in Chicago in April. Check out the press release after the jump, but this is a very worthy cause and a very interesting documentary. Don’t miss it, and make sure to check out the trailer above.
“COMIC BOOK LITERACY” PREMIERES AT CHICAGO’S C2E2
Documentary feature film showcases the utilization of comic books to promote literacy and education
CHICAGO, IL – The independent documentary feature film “Comic Book Literacy” will make its world premiere at C2E2 – The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. The film will screen on Sunday April 18th at 1:45. After the screening there will be a Q&A with the film’s director Todd Kent.
“Comic Book Literacy” emphasizes the positive attributes of a misunderstood medium. The film features appearances by comic book writers and artists such as Paul Dini, Scott McCloud, Terry Moore, Joe Quesada, Jim Salicrup, Gail Simone and Art Spigeleman as well as historians and scholars who discuss the role comics play in education in both an historical and contemporary context.
“Many, many people we spoke with attributed their love of reading to comic books,” Kent said, “And we are thrilled to be able to share that excitement and spread the good word about comics.”
Kent added, “C2E2 is a great fit for the film and we’re honored to be a part of it.” Topics in the film include visual literacy, vocabulary and even science and history, the learning of which can be enhanced with the help of comics.
There are plans to screen the film at film festivals and comic book conventions throughout the year with the goal of obtaining a wide release distribution.
“We also hope to spread the word about what a great educational resource comics are,” said Kent, “All teachers should have some comics in their utility belt.”
For more information about the film, upcoming screenings, and updates go to: www.ComicBookLiteracy.com
