Stories That Matter, Stories That Move
Overview
After journeying around the world in the festival circuit for the last several years, we're happy to make the FableVision Stories that Matter animated film collection available on DVD. The short films include Peter H. Reynolds' inspirational stories The Blue Shoe, Living Forever, and He Was Me. These award-winning animated films are simple metaphors that can be used with students or in professional development for educators. The films were created by the FableVision Studio using Toon Boom software.
Read below to learn more about each.
He Was Me
A quiet story about the inner child in all of us.
- Passion
- Reconnecting with Childhood
- Finding Your Voice
Written and drawn by Peter H. Reynolds, He Was Me is about the eternal struggle to retain our sense of self in a busy world. In the film, as a man waits at a bus stop in the rain, his inner child is brought poignantly to life as he reflects on his past and ponders his future.
As Peter shares, "This is a gift to you - to educators and caregivers. My hope is that if we can all remember what it is like to be a child, we will be able to listen to the children around us better - to serve them better. If children see that we have not lost our own child spirit, they'll be more likely to join the learning party."
“The story really hit home and I think in our stressed out world we need to bring out the kid in all of us more.” – Rich Beran, Asst.Supt, Gretna Public Schools
Peter's longtime collaborator John Lechner directed the film, which includes a touching musical score by Tony Lechner.
Approx. running time: 3 minutes
The Blue Shoe
A gentle fable about a shoe looking for its “soulmate”.
- Diversity
- Tolerance
- Understanding
The Blue Shoe is a gentle fable which can be used in primary grades to discuss true friendship. Excellent for higher grades to spark meaningful conversations about diversity and tolerance, as well as metaphor and story. This original story, written by FableVision's own Peter H. Reynolds, has won awards in over 40 festivals around the world!
“I have been using The Blue Shoe in my guidance classrooms for grades 1-5. They all love it! We are a diverse school. The need is there for this perfect lesson.” – Jan Waring, Guidance Counselor
BONUS: French and Spanish versions of this film are also included on the DVD!
Approx. running time: 6 minutes each (18 min. total for all three languages)
Living Forever
A young boy meets the artist who inspired him.
- Mentoring
- Appreciating Talents of Others
- Legacy
Living Forever is Peter H. Reynolds' story of a young boy seeking the artist who inspired him.
The boy has a gift for his mentor, which can only be delivered in person; a gift that will ultimately change both of their lives, and the way they each see the world. Dedicated to author/illustrator William Steig who has been one of Peter's sources of inspiration on his own life journey.
“These are the greatest motivational resources I’ve seen in a long while… They should be required watching for all teachers.” – Debby Dorough, NTTI Master Teacher
Approx. running time: 5 minutes
Film Awards
"Living Forever" animated film
1999 Silver Images Film Festival participant (Chicago & surrounding areas)
1999 ASIFA-East Award - Third place, Independent Film category
1999 Vancouver Effects and Animation Festival (Animation, "2D/Classical/Traditional")
1999 Woods Hole Film Festival participant
1999 Matita Film Festival participant
1999 Hollywood Shorts Festival
1999 Chicago International Children's Film Festival Short Children's Video, Animation
1999 ASIFA-Hollywood Annie Award Nominee (Outstanding Achievement in an Animated Short Subject)
1999 Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival (SICAF)
"The Blue Shoe" animated film
1999 Telly Award - Finalist, Animation category
1999 ASIFA-East Award - Second place, Independent Film category
1999 BDA International Design Award - Silver, Experimental Technology Animation section, Over Thirty Seconds category
1999 Vancouver Effects and Animation Festival - Animation, "2D/Classical/Traditional"
1999 Woods Hole Film Festival participant
1999 Chicago International Children's Film Festival - Short Children's Film, Animation
1999 Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival - (SICAF)
1998 World Animation Celebration - Winner, 2D Computer Generated Animation by an Independent
1998 Festival International du Film D'animation Participant - (Annecy, featured in Panorama category)
1998 Hollywood Shorts Festival
To order by Fax or Email: Click here to download an order form. Complete the form by hand, scan, and email it to orders@fablevisionlearning.com, or fax it to 781-742-0309.





