Wonder

Lionsgate hosted a ValenKIND’s day event in honor of the movie “Wonder” being released to DVD February 13th. “Wonder” is a beautiful story about a boy named August (Auggie) who has a facial deformity. He spends the majority of his time with his family, his mother, father and older sister. Auggie’s family tries to protect him from the negativity of others who see him. After being home-schooled for several years, he goes to school for the first time. Auggie interacts with classmates for the first time and some of his experiences are good but others are not. The movie is heart warming and full of lessons of love. The ValenKIND’s day event contained science centered activities for the children to do. Choose kindness was the main focus for the day. The amazing cast and crew of the movie were there and available for interviews. They served food with the most amazing heart-shaped cookies.

At the “Wonder” ValenKIND event, the children made Valentine’s Day cards. They also made their own slime and were taught which ingredients to mix together. They experimented with liquid nitrogen and added flowers, balloons, and even strawberries and marshmallows. The children tasted them and seemed to really enjoy them. While the children worked on the experiments there were also interviews happening. Speaking with the cast and the crew was definitely inspirational. They all had amazing stories to share from their time on set for the movie.

There are so many life lessons in the movie “Wonder.” Kindness, friendship, and compassion are just a few. Actress, Izabella Vidovic, who plays Auggie’s older sister Via said that she was drawn to the role because she was “embodying a character who’s had to sacrifice so much for a sibling who has challenges that he faces is difficult.” She also mentioned that she got a better understanding after talking to the families. In our interview, she said, “I got to talk to different families and siblings of kids with cranial facial disorders and really understand what they are going through. It’s crazy how selfless and humble kids are considering the hardships they are facing at age 12.” I also asked Izabella what she hoped people would learn from the movie. She stated “I hope that kids are inspired to treat the Auggie’s in their life, not literally, just anybody that’s in their life that doesn’t seem to fit in. I hope that they are inspired to befriend them and to treat them with kindness. Because we are all equal, it doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are. We are all people and I just hope that this new generation of kids is inspired to choose kindness as the film says.” After watching this movie I know that anyone who sees it will absolutely choose kindness.