The Jewel Theatre hosted a free matinee screening of “Inside Out” for Stettler Elementary School (SES) students on Friday, May 5.
The event was put on in partnership with Children and Adolescents being Resilient and Self-Regulating (CARS) as part of the Mental Health Week, a national initiative that ran from May 1 to 7.
The free screening took place on a PD day at the schools, which meant that plenty of students were able to attend. Although “Inside Out” is presented as an animated children’s film, it raises some important questions about mental health. The leading characters in this film are the emotions Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust that demonstrate the struggles within a young girl’s brain. Throughout the film, these emotions vie for attention in the brain of 11-year old Riley.
The film has been praised by psychologists for presenting important emotional truths in a way that is relatable to both adults and children.
Representatives from the Stettler Regional Early Child Development (ECD) Committee and the Stettler Public Library were also invited to take part in the event.
Jewel Theatre Manager Rose Chapman noted that this event was meant to be educational as well as entertaining.
“CARS wanted to come and bring their information to share with people, but also make it a fun day for the kids,” she said.
Before the screening, children could be found enjoying the sunshine outside the theatre with sidewalk chalk drawing pictures or writing messages about mental health.
Library Program Director Elaine Hoekstra brought the library’s photo booth with her so kids could have their pictures taken, and also provided glitter tattoos for anyone who wanted one.
Representatives from the Stettler Regional ECD Committee were also available to provide information to parents about the committee’s resources, which include their toy lending library and a number of online child development resources.