KIDD presents Magic 8, a film about 8 students in 6th grade (8th grade in Dutch): Tarila, Dean, Sila, Dion, Nathalie, Michelle, Rida, and Dhiraj. This group of sixth graders are the very first in Almere to have received art and culture education throughout their entire elementary school years. The film shows how art influences their worldview. These students symbolize all children enriched by art and culture.
The documentary was originally conceived by KIDD as an entirely artistic portrait series, reflecting how these children experience art. However, it turned out that these children were so independent that they even wanted to influence the film during its creation. This is evident in every possible way throughout the film. As a result, Magic 8 was created together with them—making them, alongside the professional creators, co-owners of the documentary. Magic 8 tells their story from their own perspective.
About KIDD – Art is Closer Than You Think (in relation to the documentary)
KIDD is an ongoing art and culture learning pathway in which cultural institutions and schools in Almere collaborate to provide high-quality cultural education. KIDD is part of Cultuureducatie met Kwaliteit, the national government program aimed at establishing arts and culture education as a consistent part of the school curriculum. KIDD seeks to open children’s eyes and make them aware of the art and culture in their own environment. They aim to help children discover that art is part of your life, your neighborhood, and your city—that it is all around you and closer than you think.
From group 1 through group 8, students receive art lessons at school or go on excursions in the city/province four times a year. Every block is multidisciplinary, connecting language development, creativity, and reflection. The students in the film come from De Spectrum and De Vuurvogel. They are the first cohort to have completed the entire learning pathway. KIDD is an initiative of theater company BonteHond and Collage Almere.
Magic 8 is a film by KIDD and Collage-Almere.
For feedback or questions about the documentary, you can contact us at: [email protected].
