Filmmaker Bianca Giaever is receiving a lot of praise for her interview with 6-year-old Asa Baker-Rouse that was produced into a short film. She began her project by simply asking the child: “Do you have any stories that you would want to be a movie?”
That’s all it took for a vibrant imagination to run wild and for a story to unfold.
Asa’s tale captured the adventures of Asa Bear and Toby Mouse in a whimsical 8-minute film. You’ll want to watch it if you haven’t already.
the Scared is scared from Bianca Giaever on Vimeo.
What makes the film fun to watch is the way animators and actors brought Asa’s short tale to life.
But what makes the film brilliant — in my opinion — is Asa’s sound advice. After watching the film, he made me stop and think.
“When the scared feeling comes into you, the Scared is scared of things you like,” Asa said.
So when something significant in our lives comes to a close, an end of a chapter if you will, our natural reaction is to be fearful.
Growing up, I experienced my fair share of new beginnings. I went to a junior high where I knew no one, then in high school I was surrounded by new people again, and finally in college there were more unfamiliar faces.
Since graduating college in 1999, I’ve had very few new beginnings other than job changes. My kids were (and continue to be) my new beginnings. So maybe my scariest thing is monotony?
When I am scared, I think of my immediate and extended families and all that they mean to me. I think of running outside with no heavy burdens on my shoulders. I think of petting my dog because she has this naturally tendency to put my life back in order. I think of writing for you, for me, for anyone who can relate to what I’m saying.
More than anything else, I think this film proves yet again that kids have some amazing thoughts rattling around in those little brains of theirs, if only we adults take the time to actually listen to what it is they have to say.
Heidi Woodard is married with three children. Read her Thursdays on momaha.com
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