Saturday Morning Cartoons United is delighted to celebrate the cherished realm of nostalgic childhood cartoons and films, uniting the community in Los Angeles while also aiding creative individuals impacted by this year’s wildfires. Recently, the nonprofit, in collaboration with the American Cinematheque, showcased The Care Bears Movie to honor its 40th anniversary, launching a monthly screening series to bolster fundraising efforts.
During this event, Arna Selznick, the director of the 1985 film, along with Eric Bauza, a devoted Care Bears enthusiast and the current voice of Bugs Bunny from Looney Tunes, engaged in a Q&A session with a blend of Care Bears fans both young and young at heart.
What made The Care Bears Movie the ideal film to kick off the screening series?
Eric Bauza: In today’s world, where people are constantly glued to their screens, events like this provide an opportunity for genuine connection. As we see a rise in nostalgia for our childhood classics, it’s essential to remember the joy of experiencing films together. Watching The Care Bears Movie with a like-minded audience creates an inviting atmosphere to introduce a new generation to what their parents loved.
What was it like to experience the film on the big screen with a crowd?
Arna Selznick: I hadn’t watched the film in years, so seeing it with an audience was thrilling. Remarkably, the fans who showed up were mostly adults, which showed just how strong this nostalgic connection is. Hearing the iconic songs and witnessing the audience’s reaction made the experience truly memorable.
How important is it to keep films like The Care Bears Movie alive for future generations?
Bauza: It’s about sharing those timeless messages of kindness and community. The world may change, but the core values showcased in these movies remain vital. Introducing kids to these characters fosters empathy and understanding—simple, yet crucial lessons.
What challenges did you face while making the film?
Selznick: The process was both fun and demanding. After completing Rock & Rule, we needed a hit to ensure the studio’s survival. This pressure propelled us to produce content that wasn’t just about selling toys but creating rich stories that resonate with audiences.
What is the secret behind the enduring popularity of the Care Bears?
Selznick: The origin of their popularity lies in the toys themselves. They created a wave of excitement. The film capitalized on that momentum, but we also focused on delivering a compelling story that went beyond marketing.
What insights from the film’s development can be shared with aspiring animators?
Selznick: It’s imperative to create meaningful connections in storytelling. Flesh out characters and give them depth beyond their surface traits. This will elevate your work, allowing it to resonate for years to come.
Was the screening a reflection of how audiences engage with films today?
Bauza: Absolutely. The freshness of the newly restored 4K version coupled with the audience’s reactions—like clapping along to songs—was incredibly heartening. Such live experiences remind us of the power of community in appreciating cinema.
What can you learn from The Care Bears Movie? It teaches the importance of friendship, love, and understanding. Have you ever adored a film so much it shaped your childhood? The magic lies in these shared experiences; it’s what we need to recapture in our increasingly digital world.
Interested in more nostalgic insights? Discover the latest news about your favorite childhood shows at Moyens I/O.