This post has been sponsored by KidzVuz on behalf of Amazon Studios.
I hesitated briefly before making the decision to take my son to the premiere of An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has To Win. I knew he might deem the film too “girly” or be embarrassed to celebrate the film’s debut at the American Girl Place in LA. But he surprised me and didn’t need as much convincing as I imagined. When the film had concluded, I asked him for his honest opinion. “That was the best American Girl film I’ve ever seen.” “I think everyone deserves to have the same opportunities mom.” I breathed a sigh of relief and realized that despite my imperfection as a parent, I’m doing something right.
An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win
Today, Amazon will debut its first Amazon Original Special titled An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has To Win in both the US and the UK. This is the first of four original American Girl specials for Prime Video and features Black-ish star Marsai Martin as Melody Ellison, a young girl growing up in 1963 Detroit during the Civil Rights Movement. This innocent 10-year-old girl, filled with optimism and hope, is quickly immersed in the racial inequality that surrounds her. As one of the only Black students in her classroom, Melody begins to question her belief in the “indivisible” promise of the Pledge of Allegiance, particularly in light of the 1963 Birmingham Church Bombing. An American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has To Win takes us on a touching and inspirational journey of self-reflection, Melody begins to understand what it means to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult or scary. Her mother Frances Ellison (Idara Victor) gives her the courage she needs by instilling within her the power of love to bring out the best in everyone.
An American Girl Story—Melody 1963: Love Has to Win is set in the 60s, but the film couldn’t have more timely relevance. Racial tensions still exist in our country, and despite my apprehension about introducing these topics to my children, it is absolutely essential that we discuss them as a bi-cultural family living in the US. This film will help families initiate a dialogue about these topics. I appreciate how the filmmakers handled the subject matter respectfully, taking into consideration the age and maturity of young audiences. As a parent, I also value the film’s ability to bridge historical events with the present dynamic in our country.
While the American Girl franchise is undoubtedly devoted to empowering and inspiring young girls, I would not hesitate to introduce An American Girl Story—Melody 1963: Love Has to Win to young boys. I always find it easier to talk about difficult subjects such as racial inequality through shared experiences such as watching an age-appropriate film.
An American Girl Story—Melody 1963: Love Has to Win is available today for Prime members. Simply watch via the Amazon Video app for TVs, connected devices including Fire TV and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/Originals. For a list of compatible viewing devices, visit Amazon.com/HowToStream.
After the American Girl Story – Melody 1963: Love Has to Win premiere, the three of us celebrated the film’s debut at American Girl Place LA with a tea party. Along with meeting several of the cast from the film, my daughter received the newly released Melody Doll. The newest doll that inspired the Amazon Original Special features period outfits and accessories, including a Motown-inspired recording studio that plays and records music. You can shop for Melody and related accessories by visiting Amazon.com/AmericanGirl.
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