Feature Documentary · Physical Education
No RunningA 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 used 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.
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, sports organizations and universities as an educational resource.
We need to really keep on looking at Physical Literacy, but what I’m seeing is a cut back in Physical Education.
Every child needs a repertoire of movement skills they can do competently … if you can’t do movements well you can’t progress in life.
I think it’s crucial we get those fundamental movement skills down early when kids are receptive to it.
What we have seen in studies is the earlier the kids move, the better. Exercise improves our attention system and it improves it greatly.
No Running has screened at festivals and community events across Canada and is available free on demand on TELUS Optik TV.
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.
A simple discussion guide: the 3-2-1 strategy
We are grateful to the following organizations for supporting this film.
