Welcome to Independent Lens.
I'm Pete Schwaba, host of Wisconsin Public Television's
Director's Cut.
Tonight, we get an intimate look at America's favorite neighbor,
Mr. Fred Rogers, in the documentary film
Won't You Be My Neighbor?
For over three decades, Rogers,
a minister, writer, producer,
and the star of Mr. Roger's Neighborhood
used puppets and friends from his neighborhood
to connect with a generation of America's children,
myself included.
Most episodes were just a fun escape
into the land of make believe .
But despite the fact that it was a children's show,
Rogers did not shy away from heavy topics.
Whether it was the assassination of Robert Kennedy,
losing loved ones, or race relations.
Instead of talking down to children,
Fred Rogers talked to them
sensitively, tactfully, and honestly.
Won't You Be My Neighbor is directed by Morgan Neville
whose 2014 film 20 Feet From Stardom
won him the Academy Award for Best Documentary,
as well as a Grammy Award for Best Music Film.
I've been in show business my entire adult life
and I've met many celebrities,
which is always fun, but I can count on one hand
people that I would've given almost anything to meet.
Fred Rogers is one of those people
and although I never got a chance to meet him,
it's an honor to be introducing a film about him,
especially on public television.
For one night, Mr. Rogers is back on the small screen.
Won't You Be My Neighbor starts now
on Wisconsin Public Television,
your home for independent film.