We Were Once Kids

We Were Once Kids (The Kids, USA)

In the early 1990’s, on the cusp of New York City’s mass gentrification, a group of disparate teenagers venture outside their broken homes and communities to discover a new style of skateboarding inspired by the city’s hardscrabble streets.

Several years in the making, this feature takes a fresh and unflinching look at the story of the real life characters behind the 1995 cult classic film Kids. Together these skaters built a unique family and lifestyle that transcends their origins and inspires millions, even as they became international commodities in the mainstream spotlight.

Dissects what was always dubious about Kids — how Clark trumpeted the film as unvarnished truth about modern teens while shamelessly glamorising his characters’ bad behaviour.” Tim Grierson, Screen Daily

A powerful documentary that’s truly hard to forget. Martin does a terrific job of giving the opportunity for them to tell their story. It’s just a shame it took so long. Kristy Strouse, Film Inquiry

Awards and Nominations

Calgary Underground Film Festival, 2021, Special Jury Prize – Best Documentary Feature, Winner
Tribeca Film Festival, 2021, Best Editing in a Documentary Feature Film (Shannon Swan), Winner
Sydney Film Festival, 2021, Documentary Foundation Australia Award, Best Australian Documentary, Nominee

Director

Eddie Martin

Languages

English

Film Details

2021, 88 min
Australia