More than the actual movie, I’m fascinated by all the hype and extras (including an iPhone app) surrounding the BABIES movie. You can check them out here. If you’re not into all that, at least meet the BABIES.
MEET HATTIE
Hattie was born to very ecological, “green” parents in San Francisco. When we first meet Hattie, she is in the hospital, but it’s not for long before she is back home with her parents. For Hattie’s family, it’s all about “How can I be good with the world?” The family’s diet focuses on fruits and vegetables. Both of Hattie’s parents are equally involved in her day-to-day life, fixing her meals, taking her to play groups, and spending time with her around the house. Hattie seems much like an old soul trapped in a very young body; she is much more cautious and analytical than the other three babies, evaluating her surroundings and what’s in her field of vision.
MEET BAYAR
Born in Mongolia, Bayarjargal, usually called “Bayar” for short, lives with his mother, father, and older brother Delgerjargal (“Degi”). Bayar is two years younger than Degi, who is very curious about (and slightly jealous of) his newborn brother. This baby’s good nature and easygoing personality make for some very funny brotherly interactions! Bayar’s family lives on their small family farm, where Bayar wanders around on his own from a very young age, playing with animals and exploring his surroundings – but his parents are never very far away.
MEET MARI
Mari lives with her mother and father in Shibuya, a busy metropolitan area within Tokyo, at the center of all of the city’s noise and excitement. Mari is an only child and lives the contemporary urban lifestyle, walking around city streets when not in the family’s apartment that has a view of the city skyline. Mari loves to visit toy stores, play with the family’s pet cat, and go to baby play groups. In the movie, she is notable for her dramatic reactions to, and frustrations with, everyday life.
MEET PONIJAO
Ponijao lives in Namibia with her family, including her parents and eight older brothers and sisters. Ponijao’s family is part of the Himba tribe, and lives in a small village with other families, following traditions including speaking their own (Himba) language. The men in the Himba tribe are generally off looking after the cattle and searching for grass, so Ponijao is most often with her mother and other female relatives; she plays, eats, and is bathed through the traditional method of mixing concrete red ochre with oil. Ponijao’s favorite things to do are dance and play with other children in the tribe.
