AMC Theaters and Fifth Season have joined forces to bring audiences the highly anticipated feature documentary 'Butterfly in the Sky,' which delves into the iconic 1980's PBS children's series 'Reading Rainbow.' Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2023, the film offers a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the show's creators and their mission to foster a love of reading through television.
The documentary sheds light on the challenges faced by the show's creators, as well as the charismatic host LeVar Burton, in their quest to inspire young minds. The limited theatrical release of the film will commence on March 17 in select AMC theaters, followed by a wider run in New York and other cities. Fifth Season has secured the digital and international rights for the documentary, which will be available for viewing on VOD platforms such as iTunes and Amazon starting April 30.
Directors of the film, who both hail from Texas, expressed their deep admiration for 'Reading Rainbow,' emphasizing its cultural significance and impact on generations of viewers. The documentary aims to pay homage to the show's legacy and introduce a new audience to its groundbreaking contributions to children's programming.
'Reading Rainbow,' which aired for an impressive 23 years across 26 seasons, featured notable guest stars including Maya Angelou, Susan Sarandon, Jeff Bridges, and James Earl Jones. LeVar Burton, the beloved host, shared his excitement about the documentary, hoping that audiences will experience the same nostalgic joy he felt while watching it.
Through a combination of archival footage and interviews with key figures such as Burton, Whoopi Goldberg, and co-creator Twila Liggett, the directors crafted a compelling narrative that celebrates the enduring impact of 'Reading Rainbow.' XTR founder and CEO praised the documentary for highlighting the vital role of children's literature in shaping young minds.
'Butterfly in the Sky' is a collaborative effort presented by XTR and produced by Sidestilt Films and Window Pictures. The film's production team includes a lineup of esteemed individuals, with Roco Films managing educational rights for classroom and library screenings starting in April.
