After making three movies together that focused on the challenges, stresses and resilience of childhood, it occurred to filmmakers James Redford and Karen Pritzker — well, what about adults?
Adults seem to be increasingly stressed, even before the pandemic, although wellness has become a multi-billion-dollar industry. Is there anything adults can do to help keep stress in check?
Yes, they discovered — play, which they highlight in “Playing For Keeps,” a new uplifting documentary directed by Redford making its debut at the Mill Valley Film Festival, which runs through Oct. 18.
The film features experts on stress and play, as well as a handful of people whose work is stressful and how they’ve brought play into their life, from hula hooping to roller skating to swing dancing to music.
The most well-known hobbyist appearing in the documentary is Lester Holt, “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline NBC” anchor, who finds joy playing in a band. That’s something Redford can relate to. Since 2008, he has played lead guitar in the band Olive and the Dirty Martinis. The band hasn’t gotten together for a while, but the 58-year-old Redford still plays guitar every day.
“It is my outlet. My life would be colored differently if I didn’t. Every time I pick up a guitar, life flows into my life,” he says. “I love my bandmates and when I’m up there doing that, nothing else matters. It’s just pure fun.”
Redford chatted with the IJ before his film screens virtually starting Friday. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q How did you get the idea for the film?
A Karen had been aware that play is a dynamic in our culture that used to be far more present in our daily lives and as we were moving forward in the 21st century, we were spending far less time in fulfilling, pleasurable adult hobbies. In a time when so many other things are getting easier, lots of things have gotten harder, like having the freedom to pursue things that bring us joy. So we saw that this is something we can point out to people as an avenue to improving their wellness.
Q Many schools were pulling back on recess before the pandemic, and it’s likely recess won’t be a high priority when schools reopen given how much instruction has been missed. What does that portend for these kids growing up?
A In terms of kids, this pandemic is taking a terrible toll. At the same time, it’s the thinnest of silver linings but this unstructured time has allowed a lot of families and children some space and room to discover what they want to do. So you see a lot more families spending times outdoors. When life goes back to some sort of semblance of normality, what will be different for us? How will we spend our time? What will be meaningful? What should change? This freedom to allow us to pursue things that aren’t performance-driven. A lot of people are going to be ignited by that.
Q The pandemic has really put a crimp in many of the things that brought us joy. It seems like the joys we can have now are much simpler
A If you go back before COVID, we really weren’t embracing the opportunities the way we could. I think a lot of people are going to go, do I really want to work 24/7? Do I really want to be on a computer all day? It’s a mix between simpler joys right now but it’s also calling to be ready and inspired to do things that bring internal joy without thinking, is this going to push my kid ahead on the soccer team? Is this going to push me toward career advancement?
Q What do you hope people take away from the documentary?
A That harmony and balance in life is very important to your health and longevity, and you can seek that through play. A lot of people have lost touch with that. And finding a community of people who share your passion. This something that is available to all of us, psychically and our health. Think of having fun as health care.
To watch “Playing For Keeps, which will be shown virtually as of Friday, go to mvff.com
