In 51 Birch Street, one of the most highly praised personal documentaries of recent years, director Doug Block took a hard look at his parents’ marriage and his own relationship with his father. Now Block turns in the other direction, offering an exceptionally moving film about his relationship with his only child, Lucy.
The Kids Grow Up chronicles Lucy’s emotionally-fraught last year at home before leaving for college. Moving seamlessly between past, present, and the fast-approaching future, Block has not only crafted a loving portrait of a girl transitioning into womanhood, but also a deeply poignant look at parenting and what it means to let go.
This time of transition comes with its fair share of struggles. To his credit, Block does not shy away from these moments, nor from the humorous yet occasionally tough analysis his wife offers. The result is a personal story told with such honesty and intimacy that a singular experience unfolds into a universal tale of parenthood, marriage, and family—making this a film that fathers, mothers, sons and daughters can equally appreciate.
Official Selection: IDFA, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Hot Docs, Silverdocs, Stranger Than Fiction
“What [Block] has been able to do so brilliantly with both “51 Birch Street” and “The Kids Grow Up” is take personal subject matter and present it in a manner that is dramatic and universal.” – Seth Shire, The Unpaid Film Critic
“One of the best non-fiction films of the year.”- John P. McCarthy, Boxoffice Magazine
“Intimate… distinct… complicated and surprising.” – Cynthia Fuchs, PopMatters
The Kids Grow Up
Documentary Screening
Director Doug Block in Attendance!
Buy Tickets No Passes
Watch Trailer ↓
In 51 Birch Street, one of the most highly praised personal documentaries of recent years, director Doug Block took a hard look at his parents’ marriage and his own relationship with his father. Now Block turns in the other direction, offering an exceptionally moving film about his relationship with his only child, Lucy.
The Kids Grow Up chronicles Lucy’s emotionally-fraught last year at home before leaving for college. Moving seamlessly between past, present, and the fast-approaching future, Block has not only crafted a loving portrait of a girl transitioning into womanhood, but also a deeply poignant look at parenting and what it means to let go.
This time of transition comes with its fair share of struggles. To his credit, Block does not shy away from these moments, nor from the humorous yet occasionally tough analysis his wife offers. The result is a personal story told with such honesty and intimacy that a singular experience unfolds into a universal tale of parenthood, marriage, and family—making this a film that fathers, mothers, sons and daughters can equally appreciate.
Official Selection: IDFA, Full Frame Documentary Film Festival, Hot Docs, Silverdocs, Stranger Than Fiction
Official Site »
You might also like: