IFFBoston 2011 began, as has become custom, with a Theremin player on stage in front of a boisterously filling auditorium in the Somerville Theater.  This time, there was just that little extra hint of nervous energy, coming from the uncharacteristic attendance of the littlest members of the crowd.  This Opening Night crowd included more children than most.  The kids are here to see, and anxiously anticipating the arrival of, their favorite Muppet, Elmo.

Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey is the story of Kevin Clash, the man behind – as well as under and forearm-deep into - Elmo.  Rather than narrowing her film’s scope to the Elmo era, director Constance Marks takes us back to the early days of Kevin’s life, which coincide with the early days of Sesame Street.  From the humble beginnings of his first puppet, crafted from the liner of one of his Dad’s jackets, to the chance encounter with an orphaned Muppet that led to one of the most iconic personas in recent history, through to the present day, we travel through Clash’s professional life, and see the impact that has had, both pro and con, on his personal life.

We also get to see behind the scenery into the realm of puppeteers.  We’re shown not only the mechanics of puppetry and the inspiration that brings inanimate textile to life, but also the camaraderie of this particular community, and how generosity comes full circle, turning mentee into mentor.

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