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In
how many wonderful ways are we different from each other?What
if all the world were to rejoice in each other's differences?Cara
and her lovable Grandfather embark on a journey of imagination
that brings them face to face with the wonderful variety
of people around the world.
Based on the very special
picture book by Peter Spier,PEOPLE features 10 original
songs by major recording artists,elaborate animation,
and unforgettable characters.Featuring the voices of Hume
Cronyn and James Earl Jones
PEOPLE is an
extraordinary film - an important addition to every family's
video collection! |
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Cara
a feisty, precocious nine-year-old, is spending a weekend
with her Grandpa in the city. "I
had this idea." she explains, "that people should
be more alike. You know, less different, so they wouldn't
fight." Her idea is put to the test when they set
out on a worldwide journey of imagination.
The
show open with an animated tour of countries and landmarks honoring
the diversity of cultures around the globe. It is accompanied
by "Children
of the World," an
"International Anthem" for humanity
Clay
characters illustrate the most obvious way people differ with
the simple message that no "body" is wrong, in time
to "The
Body Song,"a
light-hearted calypso sung by Brenda Russell
and Al Jarreau.
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In
Africa, Grandpa and Cara discover how people derive inspiration
from their past for building their future. Written and
performed by The Lion King's Lebo M. with a
40-person choir, "Welcome
to Our World"
provides a spirited, musical
backdrop to this exciting ride through the continent's faces,
rhythms, traditions and motifs.
Entering
an international marketplace, our heroes gawk wide-eyed at the
astonishing selection of foods that people consume around the
globe, some of it delectable, some of it too bizarre for words.
Master chef Heavy D and his chorus of animated
Food People sing "Garden
of Delight",
a funny, smooth rap that pokes fun at our culinary habits and
idiosyncrasies.
A
dramatic display of teamwork and individuality is presented
when Grandpa and Cara observe a montage of popular sports set
to an exciting instrumental tour-de-force featuring Grover
Washington, Jr.
Cara
Makes the suggestion that kids take over the world to set things
straight. When children's drawings come to life, we get
to see what that might look like . This simple vision
of peace is beautifully echoed in Vanessa Williams'
rendition of
"Under
the Same Sun." |
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When
Cara asks why people fight, Grandpa recalls an Aboriginal Dreamtime
story about the consequences of not honoring each other's differences:
the animals wage a relentless war that allegorically describes
human conflict through the ages.
An
animated tour of the architecture, gestures and symbols of the
world's many religions is set to "Believing,"
beautifully sung by Peabo Bryson. It
is a moving tribute to the theme pervading all religions: that
in prayer there is hope for peace and a confirmation of the
humanity's ability to achieve it.
Cara's
idea takes on a whole new meaning when she becomes separated
from Grandpa in a thunderstorm and dreams of an imaginary world
where everyone looks, acts and dresses exactly the same.
It takes only a few moments for her to realize that sameness
is not Utopia but a nightmare. |
"The
more we learn about each other," Grandpa concludes, "the
better it gets. That's something to celebrate!"
And celebrate they do in a collage of festive occasions from
around the world accompanied by a symphony of drums, costumes,
fireworks and "Festa
Brasilera," sung
by Chaka Khan and Brazil's Ivan Lins.
Grandpa and Cara dance with crowds, collecting balloons that
carry them away, out over the panorama of festivities.
The
show closes with the universal experience of mothers and fathers
around the world lovingly tucking their children into bed.
The tone is set by "How
Wonderful We Are,"
a soothing lullabye sung by Peabo Bryson and
Lea Salonga. |
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| THE
PRODUCTION |
| This
extraordinary 54-minute special is a visual feast that includes
traditional cel, clay, color pencil, oil-on-glass, computer, |
| puppet,
paper-cut and 3-D model animation. |
| People
is produced by Joshua M. Greene for Lightyear Entertainment. |
| Mr.
Greene is known for his prestigious Literature-based animated
series "Stories To Remember" which |
| has
received honors and awards worldwide. |
| The
music is supervised and produced by Jason Miles. |
| The
animation is executed by Klassika Studio, Moscow. |
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| THE
MUSIC |
| 10
original songs are performed by major recording artists: |
| Peabo
Bryson, Heavy D., Al Jarreau, Chaka Khan, Dave Koz, Ivan Lins,
Lebo M., Brenda Russell, |
| Lea
Salonga, Grover Washington, Jr. Vanessa Williams, and others. |
| World
music score by Jason Miles. Other featured musicians include:
Cyro Battista, Bob Berg, |
| Michael
Brecker, Steve Gadd, Boney James, Steve Lukather, Marcus Miller,
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| Me'shell
Ndegeocello and Fernando Saunders. |
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| THE
ADVISORS |
| To
assure accuracy in depicting the many cultures in PEOPLE, a distinguished
advisory team |
| participated
in the story development. |
| The
team included, among others: |
| David
Maybury Lewis, Professor of Anthropology, Harvard; |
| Founder,
Cultural Survival |
| UNITED
NATIONS 50th Anniversary Secretariat |
| Richard
Hull, Professor of African History, New York University |
| Steve
Gorn, Ethnomusicologist |
| Katherine
Flynn, Director, Australian Aboriginal Art Institute |
| Nora
Godwin, Education for Development, UNICEF |
| Richard
Raynis, Producer, "The Simpsons" |
| Students
from the United Nations International School |
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