City of Ghosts on Netflix is a unique kids series in which children have the opportunity to learn about different cultures and history in a fun way. I recently had the opportunity to participate in a virtual press conference as part of the New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF)with showrunner, Elizabeth Ito, and was delighted to learn more about how she came up with such an innovative idea.
City of Ghosts on Netflix Review
City of Ghosts is a documentary-style series which features live-action settings blended with animated characters. The series follows the Ghost Club, a group of kids, who learn about the history and multicultural neighborhoods of LA by encountering friendly ghosts.
I’m going to be honest, initially I wasn’t sure how this would work as a kids show for ages 5 and up. However, once I watched the first episode with my 7-year old and witnessed how glued into it he was, I was sold.
There is absolutely nothing scary about City of Ghosts. It is extremely educational but done in an engaging way. The characters are diverse and super smart. I think it’s the perfect beginning mystery type show for kids.
Overall, City of Ghosts is warm, gentle, and welcoming for all ages.
CITY OF GHOSTS (L to R) MICHAEL REN as PETER, AUGUST NUNEZ as ZELDA, BLUE CHAPMAN ABRAMS as THOMAS, and KIRIKOIU MULDREW as EVA in episode 101 of CITY OF GHOSTS Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2021
Q&A with Elizabeth Ito
Director, Elizabeth Ito, created City of Ghosts being inspired by her son. She was looking to develop something new and unlike everything else. Elizabeth wanted a show that was NOT hyper-dramatic and nothing too scary. Above all, she hoped to create something parents would enjoy watching with their children.
Well, Elizabeth, I think you did it.
Parents will enjoy City of Ghosts just as much as their kids, because of the education factor. You’ll be learning together!
Elizabeth hopes her series will encourage parents the importance of really listening to their children — even if it’s about the paranormal! She wishes City of Ghosts will inspire kids to not be afraid to use their voice.
Netflix City of Ghosts Synopsis
Featuring a charming blend of animated characters and live-action settings, City of Ghosts is a documentary-style series about a group of ghost-loving kids in Los Angeles who learn about the rich history of their city through encounters with friendly neighborhood ghosts. In each episode — which is based on and voiced by real residents from different neighborhoods — the members of The Ghost Club help others learn to inhabit the present by communicating with the ghosts of the past. Elizabeth Ito, Emmy Award-winning director and writer on Adventure Time and creator of the Cartoon Network short Welcome to My Life, will serve as showrunner and executive producer.
You can watch City of Ghosts on Netflix today!
Looking for more coverage from The New York International Children’s Film Festival? You can view all of my posts HERE!
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