Diary of a Teenage Girl director Marielle Heller will helm the film on the iconic PBS personality, with a focus on Fred Rogers’ real-life friendship with his cynical journalist profiler Tom Junod. “The script knocked me out with its message of kindness and its exploration of the human spirit,” says Heller. “As a mother, I am so inspired by the teachings of Fred Rogers and as a human I am in awe of his life’s work.” Heller adds that she feels the film “truly feels to me like an antidote to our very fractured culture.” Mister Rogers' Neighborhood premiered on American TV 50 years ago next month. The anniversary celebration includes a documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
TOPICS: Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, PBS, Won’t You Be My Neighbor?, Fred Rogers, Marielle Heller, Tom Hanks