Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street

Filmmaker: Marilyn Agrelo
Runtime: 107 min

Synopsis: Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street is a rare window into the early days of Sesame Street, revealing the creators, artists, writers and educators who together established one of the most influential and enduring children’s programs in television history. The documentary focuses on the first two experimental and groundbreaking decades of Sesame Street, highlighting this visionary “gang” that audaciously interpreted radical changes in society and engaged children with innovative new ways to entertain and educate. Featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with over twenty original cast members and creators, the documentary explores how the team incorporated groundbreaking puppetry, clever animation, short films, music, humor, and cultural references into each episode to keep kids and parents coming back, while never shying away from difficult conversations with children. Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street is directed by Marilyn Agrelo; produced by Trevor Crafts, Ellen Scherer Crafts, and Lisa Diamond; executive produced by Brian O’Shea, Nat McCormick, Matthew Helderman, Luke Taylor, Mark Myers, and Heather Kenyon; co-executive produced by Michael Davis; edited by Ben Gold.

 

About the Filmmaker

Marilyn’s directorial debut, Mad Hot Ballroom (2005), was short-listed for Best Documentary Feature at the 2006 Academy Awards. Marilyn’s latest film, Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street had its world premiere at Sundance 2021. Her feature debut was An Invisible Sign, released by IFC Films. She has directed children’s television and numerous commercials and short films, including her documentary shorts No Small Parts and Good Muslim Girls, which enjoyed wide play in international film festivals.  A Cuban-American raised in New York, Marilyn’s immigrant identity shaped an early awareness of social themes she continues to explore through her work.