No Running is a feature documentary that focuses on Physical Education in the school system.
Computers, tablets, smartphones, videogames: a short list of what will keep any kid on the couch for hours. None of these devices require any more physical activity than the extreme workout of the fingertips.
Gone are the days when “go play outside” meant actually running around for a game of tag until the streetlights turn on. Youths’ physical activity is not what it use to be.
Sedentary lifestyles are the new normal and threaten a laundry list of health problems in children and teens: Heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even social discrimination. It boils down to simply the lack of movement — ranking in the top 10 for children’s health concerns. Meanwhile, funding for physical education in schools continues to dwindle.
Sure, the world has changed from the days of “go play outside.” But how much? In many families, both parents work leaving video games and Internet devices to raise their kids; devices that lead to inactive lives.
When it comes to getting kids active, our schools hold a special advantage: they have our kids all week long. They have immediate access to gymnasiums and sports fields. They have their attention.
About the Physical Education Documentary Production
No Running grew out of the same question that drives a lot of Potential Pictures’ documentary work: what’s happening in our communities that nobody is talking about loudly enough? Physical education in schools sits at the intersection of public health, policy, and parenting – a topic that affects every family but rarely gets serious documentary treatment. Produced by Matt Young and Atlee James, and directed by Atlee James, the film was developed over an extended production period that required building relationships with researchers, educators, and health experts across North America.
The interview roster reflects the seriousness of the subject. We brought in Dr. John Ratey – bestselling author and Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School – alongside Dr. Dean Kriellaars, a world-renowned expert in physical literacy at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Joanna Sheppard from the University of the Fraser Valley, and Harminder Toor of Envision Physiotherapy. Getting academics and clinicians of that caliber on camera means the film can speak with authority on what the research actually shows, not just what parents and teachers feel is happening.
No Running was funded by TELUS and is available free on demand on TELUS Optik TV – a distribution outcome that significantly expanded its reach beyond typical documentary audiences. The film has also screened at festivals and community events and is actively used by physical literacy advocates and sports organizations and universities as an educational resource.
No Running delves into the important questions.
- How is physical education regarded by kids?
- Are kids’ physical literacy compromised?
- Can school curricula expand for a practical understanding on how the body works?
- How inactivity is now called the “new cancer”?
- Are there any solutions?
- Is there a resistance to these solutions? If so, why?
- Would kids and teens have the forethought to even care?
- What does the future of physical education look like?
Film Screenings
No Running has screened at festivals and community events across Canada and is available free on demand on TELUS Optik TV.
Interested in screening this film in your community or classroom?
We would be grateful if you would let us know when you download so we can send a thank you. We also provide guidance on leading discussions after the viewing, as well as downloadable materials for your audience. Find out how by connecting today!
A simple strategy for discussions would be:
3-2-1 Strategy
– Discuss 3 things that resonated for you from the doc
– Identify 2 things you can control
– Commit to 1 thing you can do to support the movement.
Proud Supporters
We are grateful to the following organizations for supporting this film.
Producers: Matt Young / Atlee James
Director / Editing & Design: Atlee James
