About the Film

Beginning Production in November 2011.

Becoming Fools - "Comedy heals tragedy as homeless children in Guatemala City learn the art of clowning to discover hope".

Imagine yourself for a moment as a kid again. But this time, your parents are gone, quite possibly by choice. You’re completely alone with no place to call home, other than the band of kids who have nothing and no one just like you. It’s a painful thought. But it’s also a reality for many kids on the streets of Guatemala. They live in that pain. Now imagine you had the power to help these kids find a way out. Here’s the thing, you do.

'Becoming Fools' portrays the vision of Italo, a professional clown who invested in the lives of street youth. He spent years working with a group of street kids and dreamed of a holistic youth center that would provide hope and opportunity. He began to teach the art of clowning to street children to provide them a source of income. Sadly, Italo's life was cut short when he tragically drowned in February of 2011. Both Guatemala and these street kids lost a hero.

Thankfully, some of Italo's friends and colleagues are continuing his vision. Families are fostering abandoned children. Organizations are providing family support services. Orphanages are casting vision of adoption.

We want to honor Italo's life by telling this beautiful story of struggle and hope. We'll document the lives of these street youth and capture the process as they learn the art of clowning to perform at parties and events. We'll also interview leading experts on street youth and families who are fostering children in Guatemala. All of these plots will converge at a public event next spring when the community is invited to watch the street youth perform with professional clowns and share their hearts.

To understand this global issue, we must become fools,
strip away our preconceived ideas, and listen to their hearts.


Why are we doing this?

We believe films are called motion pictures not only because they are pictures that are moving, but also because they have the power to move people. We're partnering with several organizations who are responding to the needs of street youth. And our documentary project has the potential to expose this issue and inspire a global audience to get involved.

Film Goals

Inspire audiences to:

  • Facilitate rehabilitation
  • Provide family support services
  • Develop centers for the youth to receive holistic help
  • Invest in micro-enterprise and provide vocational training
  • Foster & adopt children

Will you join us?

Together, we can make a difference.

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